When The Wheels on the Bus Stop

When the Wheels on the Bus Stop

The first day of school this year served as a stark reminder of how many drivers still struggle to navigate roads when school starts. As I stepped onto my back deck that morning, the sound of blaring firetrucks, police cars, and emergency vehicles from every direction echoed like the apocalypse had begun. Leaving the neighborhood proved challenging, with a head-on collision blocking the main road and multiple accidents reported near several schools. As the school year gains momentum, school buses crowd Kentucky roads, carrying children to class with everyone bearing the responsibility of safety. Local police departments are all on board emphasizing the laws to ensure every stop is safe. Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical doctor care programs in Kentucky, discusses Kentucky’s school bus regulations, the penalties for violations, and tips to navigate the school buses safely.

1. Kentucky Stopping Laws
   In Kentucky, drivers must stop when a school buses red lights flash and stop arm extends, signaling kids are boarding or exiting. This applies on all roads, two-lane or multi-lane, unless divided by a physical barrier or median (grass or concrete). On divided highways with just a center turn lane (no physical barrier) oncoming traffic must stop. Police stress this rule, noting kids may dart across unexpectedly, a key focus in their safety campaigns.

2. Penalties
   Violating this law brings a fine up to $500, with a possible 90-day license suspension for a first offense. Repeat violations jump to $1,000 fines and longer suspensions. Local police data suggests hundreds of children are at risk annually near buses, showing why these penalties are enforced to hopefully cause people to think before passing a bus.

3. Safe Passing
   After the bus deactivates its lights and arm, wait for it to pull away or signal before proceeding. Never pass on the right or cut off a bus, as kids might still be in the danger zone. On multi-lane roads, ensure all lanes stop unless a barrier exists. Police advise extra caution in school zones, where speeds drop to 20 mph.

4. Student Safety
   Students play a role too. They should wait at least 10 feet from the bus stop, cross only when the driver signals, and avoid running. Wearing bright clothing helps drivers spot them, especially in early morning light. Safety starts before the kids leave the house and it is up to parents to reinforce good habits.

5. Community Awareness
   Kentucky law enforcement and the Kentucky Department of Education run back-to-school campaigns, posting signs like “School Bus Stop Ahead”, provide educational videos, flyers, and coloring pages for kids to encourage everyone to be conscious of school bus safety. Staying alert in school zones and knowing bus schedules builds a safer community.

Everyday there are almost 9,000 buses in Kentucky carrying almost 400,000 students on school buses. There are still too many drivers passing buses when they are stopped, loading or unloading kids, which will lead to more deaths or injuries. Navigating these buses in Kentucky means following the law. Stop when red lights flash and the arm is out. Wait safely before passing, teach your kids to stay cautious, and drivers should stay alert in 20 mph zones. Use mornings to check schedules and discuss safety with kids, ensuring they board and exit with care. With these steps, drivers and students can share the road confidently, starting the school year on a safe note.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.