Under Kentucky law and common sense, if you drive up to a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, you should stop because kids are getting on or off and could be crossing the street. Ignoring these lights means your vehicle could strike and injure or kill a child. As senselessly risky and stupid as this sounds, it’s a common occurrence if information from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is any indication.
If your child is injured or killed by a vehicle ignoring a bus’ red lights, you could have rights to compensation. The Fleck Firm can give you the support you need to defend your legal rights in this terrible situation. Call them today at (270) 446-7000.
An analysis of news articles by a safety consultant found 27 fatalities during the 2022-2023 school year involving a school bus hitting a pedestrian/bicyclist (adult or student) or a passing vehicle hitting a child at their school bus stop or while they walk to or from the school bus stop, according to School Transportation News. There were more than 60 injuries also reported. The Kentucky State Police reports that 365 school buses were involved in accidents in 2023. No fatalities were caused.
Thousands of Drivers Ignore Flashing Red Lights
Kidsburgh reports that data released in July by the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) shows that from August 26, 2024, to June 12, 2025, 10,989 motorists didn’t stop for stopped school buses flashing their red lights. Pittsburgh has less than half the population of Louisville.
How did PPS know this? They partnered with BusPatrol in 2023 to equip more than 200 school buses with cameras that record vehicles passing stopped school buses. Videos are reviewed by PPS police officers, who decide if a legal violation has occurred and whether a ticket should be issued. The minimum penalty under Pennsylvania law is $300.
More than 60 Pennsylvania school districts use the BusPatrol system. Nearly 4,500 buses in the state are equipped with the company’s technology. A bill was introduced in the Kentucky Senate in January that would allow school districts to install similar cameras. Fines for first-time offenders would be $300, according to Fox56. A similar bill was introduced in the state House last year but didn’t pass.
If a child is injured in one of these incidents, such video evidence would also be critical to a successful compensation claim. The video may not only show the collision but also record the date, time, the vehicle, and possibly its license plate.
There is some good news in this bad situation, thanks to this technology. Nearly all of the violations (95%) were committed by first-time offenders. This could be a sign that the bus cameras are deterring repeat behavior.
The data collected can also be used to increase police presence in areas where passing stopped school buses is a problem. Pittsburgh’s hottest spot for this dangerous driving is the 5300 block of Fifth Avenue, where 392 violations were recorded (averaging about ten a week).
Get the Legal Help You Need from a Kentucky School Bus Injury Attorney You Can Trust
If your child is injured in a school bus accident, the Fleck Firm can help. He will answer your questions and discuss how Kentucky law may apply in your case. Call the Fleck Firm at (270) 446-7000 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We can talk about the accident and what you should do next. Insurance companies have lawyers. You should have one too.
