Lexington, August 14, 2025
News Summary
As Fayette County students get ready to return to school, the Lexington Police Department is stressing the necessity for drivers to observe traffic laws, particularly those related to school buses and zones. Key reminders include stopping for flashing red lights on school buses and respecting crossing guards. New policies are being implemented regarding student behavior on school buses, while GPS technology in buses aids parent communication on student safety. The return to school also comes with new regulations on cell phone usage in schools.
Lexington – As Fayette County students prepare to return to school, the Lexington Police Department emphasizes the need for drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, particularly those concerning school buses and school zones.
Critical reminders for drivers include stopping when a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as a stopped school bus are required to remain stationary until the bus’s red lights are switched off. Drivers approaching the bus from the opposite direction must also stop, unless the roadway has four or more lanes, where different rules apply.
Additionally, drivers must stop for crossing guards displaying stop signs. School zone speed limits must also be observed, ensuring safety for all students as they transition back to a routine of attending classes.
The Fayette County Schools are implementing new policies addressing student behavior on school buses this year. These policies include assigned seating and a structured conduct policy. Bus drivers are tasked with a “three chances to make it right” approach for dealing with minor behavioral issues before any disciplinary actions are taken. Consequences for violating bus conduct rules can involve assigned seating changes, bus riding suspensions, or even the loss of transportation privileges altogether.
To enhance safety and tracking, all Lexington City School buses are now equipped with GPS technology. This allows families to track their child’s bus in real-time through an application called “Where’s The Bus.” This feature is expected to facilitate better communication and reassurance for parents regarding their children’s safe travels to and from school.
A new state law requires school districts to integrate social media literacy into the curriculum while also imposing restrictions on cell phone usage during school hours. Under this law, elementary and middle school students in Lexington are prohibited from using cell phones during the school day. High school students may use their devices only during lunch breaks. The Lexington City Schools Superintendent has reported positive outcomes from this policy, noting improvements in students’ focus within classrooms.
In a related incident, a Fayette County couple, Kurt and Ashley Waechter, has taken legal action against the school district following an accident involving a school bus. Kurt Waechter sustained serious injuries when a school bus struck his vehicle while he had the right of way. The incident resulted in a critical head injury for Waechter and led to further complications after his vehicle collided with another car post-accident. The lawsuit filed seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and names the bus driver, bus monitor, and an insurance company as defendants. The allegations state that the bus driver failed to operate the vehicle safely by disregarding traffic controls and neglecting to yield the right-of-way.
The return to school season brings opportunity as well as a reminder for increased vigilance on the roads. Parents, drivers, and students alike are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings to ensure a safe environment for everyone as they navigate their daily routines.
FAQ Section
What should drivers do when a school bus has its red lights flashing?
Drivers must stop their vehicles when a school bus’s red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. They should remain stopped until the red lights are turned off.
Are there specific rules for school zones?
Yes, drivers must adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and must stop for any crossing guards who are directing traffic.
What happens if students misbehave on the school bus?
Students who misbehave on the bus may receive assigned seating changes, a suspension from riding the bus, or a loss of transportation privileges. There is a “three chances to make it right” system for minor issues before further action is taken.
What technology is being used to improve bus safety?
All Lexington City School buses are equipped with GPS tracking technology, allowing families to track their child’s bus in real-time with the “Where’s The Bus” app.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Bus Traffic Rules | Drivers must stop for flashing red lights and extended stop arms; opposite direction traffic must stop unless on a four-lane road. |
| Crossing Guards and School Zones | Drivers must obey crossing guards and school zone speed limits. |
| Student Behavior Policies | Assigned seating and a three chances policy for bus behavior issues. |
| GPS Tracking | Buses equipped with GPS, allowing real-time tracking via “Where’s The Bus” app. |
| Cell Phone Policy | Restrictions on cell phone use during school hours to aid focus; different rules for elementary, middle, and high school students. |
| Accident Lawsuit | A lawsuit filed following a bus accident involving Kurt Waechter seeks damages over $75,000. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WTVQ: Back to School Safety Rules
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- WXII12: Tips for Lexington Students
- Google Search: School Bus Traffic Rules
- Kentucky: Local Education News
- Google Scholar: School Bus Safety
- WSOC-TV: School Bus Safety Act Debate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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