Bowling Green, KY, August 11, 2025
News Summary
As the school year approaches, Bowling Green law enforcement urges drivers to be cautious around school zones and buses. New safety guidelines emphasize the importance of adhering to regulations, like stopping for extended bus arms. Additionally, community initiatives like ‘Stuff the Bus’ aim to support underprivileged students with necessary school supplies. Ohio lawmakers are also proposing legislation to enhance bus safety through penalties for illegal passing and the use of surveillance cameras.
Bowling Green School Bus Safety Awareness Initiative
Bowling Green, KY – As the new school year approaches, law enforcement officials across south central Kentucky are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution in school zones and around school buses. With school buses set to resume operations in just a few weeks, authorities emphasize the critical importance of safety for students as they travel to and from school.
Drivers who pass through extended bus stop arms can face serious legal consequences. The Bowling Green Police Department highlights that bus drivers are authorized to report incidents of illegal passing to law enforcement, which can lead to citations. This year, police stress that taking the time to slow down and focus on safety in school zones is vital to protecting young pedestrians.
Educational initiatives for families and teachers are encouraged, specifically regarding pedestrian safety for students. Children are advised to arrive at their bus stop at least five minutes early, look both ways before crossing the street, and avoid distractions, such as phone use, while waiting for the bus. Once on board, students should follow the bus driver’s instructions and remain seated quietly during the journey.
Historically, Bowling Green has maintained a relatively safe environment for school buses due to adherence to safety guidelines. This record reflects a community commitment to the well-being of its students, which is essential as the new school year begins.
Community Support for Education
In addition to safety measures, public schools are preparing for the upcoming semester with various initiatives. One notable effort is the “Stuff the Bus” donation drive aimed at collecting school supplies for needy students. This drive is crucial, as one in five children in Kentucky lives in poverty, creating non-cognitive barriers to education that can affect academic performance.
Family resource centers play a pivotal role by sorting and distributing the supplies collected during the “Stuff the Bus” initiative. Donations typically include backpacks, writing instruments, paper products, and snacks, all aimed at ensuring that students have the necessary tools to succeed in school.
Many recipient schools benefit from ongoing support through this drive, with a particular focus on assisting students from low-income households. As these preparations take place, law enforcement remains vigilant about ensuring students’ safety on their journeys to and from school.
Legislative Developments in Ohio
As part of a broader effort to enforce school bus safety, Ohio lawmakers are introducing new legislation to deter the illegal passing of stopped school buses. Senate Bill 62 would allow the use of camera equipment on school buses to monitor and capture violators, though it would not mandate their installation. Meanwhile, House Bill 3 aims to increase penalties for illegally passing a stopped bus, proposing fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, which could escalate for repeat offenses. Currently, penalties for such violations in Ohio vary from $0 to $500.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, over 16,000 citations for passing stopped school buses were issued between 2018 and August 2023. The proposed legislation intends to establish a School Bus Safety Fund, allocating fines to aid school districts in acquiring and maintaining bus cameras. Similar safety laws are already implemented in 28 states, including Florida and Tennessee, signaling a growing recognition of the need for vigilance in protecting children near school buses.
Conclusion
As school resumes, the blend of community support initiatives and legislative actions reflects a concerted effort to safeguard students’ travel to and from school. It is essential for all road users to remain vigilant and prioritize safety around school buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal consequences of passing a stopped school bus?
Passing a stopped school bus when its stop arm is extended can result in citations, with penalties including fines and other legal repercussions.
How early should students arrive at their bus stop?
Students are advised to arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive to ensure they are ready to board safely.
What supplies can be donated during the “Stuff the Bus” initiative?
The initiative accepts various school supplies, including backpacks, writing instruments, paper products, and snacks, to aid students in need.
What safety measures should students follow when waiting for the bus?
Students should look both ways before crossing the street, avoid distractions such as phoning while waiting, and follow the bus driver’s instructions once they are on board.
What legislation is being proposed in Ohio regarding bus safety?
Ohio lawmakers are introducing bills to allow bus cameras and to increase fines for illegal passing of stopped school buses, aimed at enhancing student safety.
Key Features of School Bus Safety Initiatives
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Consequences | Fines and citations for illegal passing of school buses. |
| Student Preparedness | Students should arrive early at bus stops and follow safety instructions. |
| Community Support | “Stuff the Bus” initiative to collect essential school supplies. |
| Legislative Efforts | Proposed bills in Ohio to enhance safety measures for school buses. |
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Staying Safe Around School Bus
- BG Daily News: Stuff the Bus Supplies Go Out to Schools
- Ohio Capital Journal: Lawmakers Trying to Increase Penalties on Illegally Passing a Stopped School Bus
- Google Search: School Bus Safety
- FoodService Director: Bright Purple Bus Brings Summer Fun to Bowling Green
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Safety
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
