BATH COUNTY, KY (LEX News) — Some of the most dangerous moments of the school day happen before a student ever steps inside the bus.
For Bath County Schools Transportation Director Phil Dettwiller, the greatest risks come when students board or exit the bus.
"It's vital if we can't get kids to school. They can't learn," Dettwiller said.
A Kentucky law now increases penalties for drivers who illegally pass a school bus during stops and allows districts to use stop-arm cameras. To help deter violations and hold drivers accountable, Bath County Schools is expanding the use of those cameras.
"We are retro fitting them. Any of the new buses have them past three years have those. We are working on retro fitting so the other buses can have them," Dettwiller said.
Cameras, however, are only part of the equation. Dettwiller still drives a bus himself and says each stop requires constant scanning of traffic, students, and surroundings.
Even when bus drivers follow every safety procedure, they still depend on other motorists to obey the law. This week in Georgetown, police say a driver passed a stopped school bus and hit a 10-year-old student who crossed the road to board the bus. Meanwhile, in Magoffin County, school leaders say bus drivers have reported several vehicles passing stopped buses while students loaded and unloaded.
Parent Brandy Collett said the incidents are difficult to process.
"A lot of anger goes through my mind because that is someone's children. They should be the number one priority and your number one instinct is to stop," Collett said.
Dettwiller says incidents like those serve as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change.
"When they completely neglect that. It will make you nervous. When that happens it brings your senses more keen. It also heighten your sense and makes you pay more attention," Dettwiller said.
Bath County students return to school on Wednesday. Before the first day, transportation staff are already conducting safety checks across the county.
For Dettwiller, it comes down to protecting every child on the road.
"It's not just about my kids I think about. I think about the other kids on how we can make it more safe for them," Dettwiller said.
Alex Barber is committed to covering stories in your community that matter to you. If you have an idea, reach out to him at alex.barber@wlex.tv
