Episode 134: It’s back to school season. Kentucky injury attorney Jeff Roberts discusses a new law involving when you need to stop for a school bus. Buses can now have cameras to identify violators and stiff fines will be imposed. This episode also covers what you need to do if your child is involved in a school bus collision. Finally, Jeff offers some safe driving tips as we begin to see more students in and around Kentucky streets.
New School Bus Stop Law
In 2026, we now have a new law that enforces when you need to stop for a school bus. It makes a change to when you need to stop if a school bus is loading and unloading students. Under the old law, if a school bus comes to a stop and activates is crossing arm or stop arm, all traffic on a 2-lane road must come to a complete stop. The same applies to 3-lane traffic, even with a center turn lane. However, this didn’t apply to a 4-lane road.
Under the new law, when a school bus road stops, some 4-lane traffic must now stop. If there is no physical barrier, or unpaved surface between the different directions of traffic, you must stop. However, if there is a barrier, including a grass median or an unpaved surface, the traffic heading in the opposite direction is not required to stop.
The intent of this new law is to protect our children. It may take some getting used to, but it’ll be worth it.
Buses Can Have External Cameras to Record Offending Vehicles
There is also a new statute permitting school buses to be equipped with cameras to enable it to record the license plate and possibly the driver of an offending vehicle. This provides evidence the police can use to issue citations. Without the cameras, it was difficult to identify drivers who failed to stop for the school bus.
Interestingly, if only the license plate is recorded, law enforcement is permitted to issue the citation to the owner of the vehicle, even if it’s not clear who was actually driving. The owner may be able to sign an affidavit specifying who was driving at the time of the violation.
How Much is the Fine for Failing to Stop for the School Bus?
Under the new law, there is a $300 penalty for the first offense. Any subsequent violation would be subject to a $500 penalty.
In Episode 58, Jeff covered Pedestrian Accidents and Bicycle Accidents. This discussion included some related information that may become relevant, if your child is struck by a car.
School Bus Collisions and Injuries
This was the focus of Episode 47. What should you do if your child is on the bus at the time of a school bus wreck? The first step Jeff recommends is to take your child to the doctor. Kentucky no-fault law provides automatic coverage for a minimum of $10,000 to cover medical bills. This would cover any co-pays, treatment or prescriptions.
You would also have the potential option of filing an injury claim against the school bus driver and the other driver, based on their negligence.
Watch for Signs of a Head Injury
Adrenaline can often mask the immediate symptoms of a car wreck. If they have aches or pains, you should take them to an urgent care, ER or your family doctor. You can do this even if it’s several days after the collision. Be sure to tell the medical provider about the collision.
It may be difficult to tell if the child hit his/her head during the accident. You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a closed head injury. Be on the lookout for these possible signs:
- Nausea
- Loss of the sense of smell or taste
- Vision issues
- Inability to focus on activities
- Change is demeanor or personality
Listen to Episode 52 to learn more about traumatic brain injuries. These can be extremely serious.
Distracted and Drowsy Drivers
This topic was covered in Episode 49. This topic become especially important was we begin to cope with more kids in the streets. It’s also a very relevant topic if your son or daughter is driving to school, alone or with other students in their car.
The risk for a collision or for an accident with a pedestrian is heightened if you’re drowsy or distracted while driving. Cell phone usage is a leading cause of distracted driving.
Jeff explains why early mornings are particularly dangerous. He offers some simple advice to help you prepare for the drive to school, the office or while running errands.
Calloway County schools will be opening in early-August. Christian County schools will open in mid-August. This is a good time to have a serious conversation with your student drivers. The consequences of a distracted or drowsy driver can be tragic.
It’s also time to begin talking to your young students about proper behavior around bus stops and how to safely cross the street.
Jeff offers free, initial consultations to ensure you have the information you need to decide you best options.
We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.
Thank you for listening!
What Do Other Clients Think About Jeff?
We always encourage listeners to read the Google Reviews Jeff Roberts has received from many of his clients. A 5-Star rating and the comments are earned recognition and demonstrate Jeff’s commitment to his clients. As a solo attorney, he has more Google Reviews than some firms with multiple attorneys. Jeff shares the credit with his staff at the Roberts Law Office. Successfully representing injured clients is a team effort. It’s why Jeff likes to say his firm offers “Small Town Service with Big City Results.”
Jeff Roberts Represents Injured Clients Throughout Kentucky
With offices located in Calloway County (Murray) and now in Christian County (Hopkinsville), Jeff has a history of representing personal injury clients, workers’ compensation clients and social security disability clients across the state. He’s represented clients from Paducah, Bowling Green, Louisville, Covington, Whitesville and many other Kentucky locations. He’s not just a Western Kentucky injury attorney.
Is It Time to Speak with an Attorney about Your Car Accident Claim?
The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108. For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice. Jeff’s principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson. This is an advertisement.
