MIDDLESBORO - National statistics show that pedistrian accidents are one of leading killers of children under the age of 15. With schools starting inthe area, AAA Blue Grass/Kentucky and the Middlesboro Police Department are reminding drivers to take extra care in school zones and around bus stops.
"School officials tell us that drivers failing to stop when children are loading or unloading from school buses is still an issue," said Kendall Spalding, auto counselor for AAA.
Spalding was in Middlesboro this week to drop of "School's Open" poster as part of AAA's campaign to raise driver awareness.
According to the latest statistics, the most dangerous part of a school bus ride for children is getting off and on. On average, seven school-aged children are killed each year in school bus crashes, while 19 are killed while getting on or off the bus.
Failing to stop for a bus is a six-point violation in Kentucky. By law, drivers must stop and remain stopped until all people are clear of the roadway and the bus is in motion, unless they are approaching a bus from the opposite direction on a highway with four or more lanes.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found that 99 percent of drivers interviewed felt that the most dangerous unsafe driving behavior was passing a school bus when it's stop arm was extended. Yet, many school bus drivers will say they see this violation on a regular basis. Motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus accounted for about one-fourth of the pedestrian fatalities in school bus related crashes nationally.
"Children are always at a high risk for pedestrian injury, especially now with school going back into session," said Lilla S. Mason, director of the Blue Grass Auto Club Safety Foundation. "Drivers need to pay special attention during the hours when children are coming to and rom school, as well as refrain from passing school buses illegally - Trying to save a few minutes could have tragic results."
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