A student in Lexington, Kentucky, was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle Tuesday morning. Authorities reported the incident occurred around 7:25 a.m. on October 13, on Briar Hill Road, located on the city's east side. Lexington police were called to the scene to investigate the crash involving the student.
Fayette County Public School spokesperson Miranda Scully confirmed the student was struck while en route to a bus stop. Police later confirmed that the school bus involved did not have its stop arm extended at the time the student was hit by the vehicle. The student continues to receive care for life-threatening injuries at a local hospital, according to authorities.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, Lexington police stated. At this time, police do not expect to file criminal charges in connection with the collision.
This incident marks the second time this school year that a student has been hit at a bus stop within the central Kentucky region. The repeated nature of such events has drawn attention to student safety around school transportation.
In response to concerns about bus stop safety, a new state law, House Bill 7, went into effect in July. This legislation was co-sponsored by State Representative Chad Aull, a Democrat representing Lexington. The bill aims to enhance safety for students at bus stops across the Commonwealth.
House Bill 7 significantly increases the penalties for drivers who fail to stop when a school bus stop arm is extended. Under the new law, a first offense carries a fine of $300. Subsequent offenses are subject to a higher fine of $500, according to the legislation. These increased fines are intended to deter drivers from passing stopped school buses.
Beyond financial penalties, the new law also provides school districts with an additional tool for enforcement and identification. House Bill 7 allows school districts throughout the state to install cameras on school buses. These cameras can be utilized to help identify violators who illegally pass a bus with its stop arm deployed, thereby aiding in the prosecution of such offenses.
Representative Aull expressed his dismay over the recent incident, noting the tragic impact on another family. He emphasized that such situations are "so easily avoidable," highlighting the need for vigilance and adherence to traffic laws around school buses.
Aull further stated his belief that a combination of stronger penalties and increased public awareness will be instrumental in preventing future incidents involving students at bus stops. He advocates for the widespread adoption of the camera technology provision of House Bill 7, asserting that it is a tool "every school district in the state of the Commonwealth ought to deploy." Aull believes that implementing this technology will help reduce traffic incidents around school buses, thereby improving student safety.
