Bowling Green, October 27, 2025
News Summary
As National School Bus Safety Week wraps up, the Bowling Green Police Department emphasizes the critical need for drivers to adhere to school bus safety rules. Officers note an increase in traffic violations around school buses, urging the community to remain vigilant and educate children on potential hazards. New legislative measures in Kentucky and Ohio aim to enhance safety, including penalties for passing stopped school buses and the introduction of monitoring cameras on buses. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to protect students during school transportation.
Bowling Green – As National School Bus Safety Week concludes, the Bowling Green Police Department is highlighting the importance of driving safely around school buses. Officers are reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and come to a complete stop for school buses that have extended stop arms.
Officer Ronnie Ward has observed that many drivers neglect to stop due to inattention and a lack of understanding of the rules related to school bus safety. Cedric Browning, the Director of Transportation for the Bowling Green Independent School District, estimates that the monthly traffic violations around school buses occur in the teens. This alarming trend necessitates improvement in driver behavior.
To combat the rise in distracted driving, law enforcement is encouraging drivers to minimize distractions while on the road. In addition, parents are urged to educate their children on being vigilant when getting on and off the bus, particularly by checking for nearby traffic and potential hazards. This awareness is crucial for ensuring student safety.
In an effort to uphold safety, bus drivers in Warren County have the ability to collect license plate numbers from individuals who violate traffic laws around school buses. This data can be reported to the police for further action when necessary. Meanwhile, legislative efforts in Kentucky and Ohio are aimed at enhancing school bus safety.
Kentucky is considering Senate Bill 38, which would permit camera monitoring systems on school buses to enforce laws requiring vehicles to stop and impose civil penalties on violators. On the other hand, Ohio lawmakers have recently passed Ohio House Bill 3, known as the Enact the School Bus Safety Act, designed to improve school bus safety in the state.
The Ohio bill increases the penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. Repeat offenders may face more severe consequences, including license suspension and mandatory safety courses. This legislative measure also allows for the use of camera systems on school buses to document violations, addressing a gap in previous Ohio law.
From 2018 to 2021, over 14,000 citations for passing stopped school buses were issued in Ohio. Lawmakers have emphasized the critical nature of this bill for safeguarding students who rely on school buses for transportation. The necessity for such legislation has been underscored by tragic incidents, including an incident involving the death of an 11-year-old student.
Currently, only eight states nationwide mandate seat belts in school buses, and while Ohio does not require them, it does allow for seat belts on smaller bus models. In response to safety concerns, Governor Mike DeWine has proposed additional measures to enhance school bus safety, including a $34 million fund intended for grants that will assist in providing safety features such as seat belts and illuminated stop signs.
Moreover, Senate Bill 62 from Ohio Senator Theresa Gavarone proposes a $300 civil penalty for those passing stopped school buses and is presently under review. These recent legislative efforts are a direct response to fatal accidents involving school buses in Ohio, showcasing a commitment to improving the safety of school transportation for all students.
FAQ Section
What is the focus of the Bowling Green Police Department’s recent reminders?
The Bowling Green Police Department is reminding drivers to drive safely around school buses, emphasizing the importance of stopping for buses with extended stop arms.
What type of violations is reported around school buses?
Cedric Browning, Director of Transportation for Bowling Green Independent School District, estimates that there are around 20 traffic violations per month near school buses.
How can distracted driving be combated according to authorities?
Authorities advise drivers to limit distractions while behind the wheel and focus solely on the road.
What legislation is Kentucky considering to enhance school bus safety?
Kentucky is considering Senate Bill 38, which would allow for camera systems on school buses to enforce stopping laws and impose civil penalties on violators.
What are the penalties under Ohio House Bill 3 for passing stopped school buses?
Ohio House Bill 3 increases penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000.
What additional measures has Governor Mike DeWine proposed regarding school bus safety?
Governor Mike DeWine proposed a $34 million fund for grants to provide safety features like seat belts and illuminated stop signs for school buses.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| National School Bus Safety Week | Concludes with safety reminders from Bowling Green Police Department. |
| Traffic Violations | Monthly traffic violations around school buses estimated in the teens. |
| Kentucky Legislation | Consideration of Senate Bill 38 for camera monitoring systems. |
| Ohio House Bill 3 | Increases penalties for passing stopped school buses with fines from $250 to $1,000. |
| Proposed Safety Measures | Governor DeWine’s $34 million fund to enhance safety features for school buses. |
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: Bowling Green Police Remind Drivers of School Bus Safety
- Wikipedia: School Bus Safety
- WBKO: Officials Stress Importance of School Bus Safety
- Google Search: School Bus Safety
- Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio House Passes Bill Increasing Penalties
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus
- WBKO: Staying Safe Around School Bus
- Google News: School Bus Safety Laws
- 10TV: New Bill Aims to Improve Safety for Ohio Kids
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.
