Update-Bus Safety on Drivers Minds... But for How Long?

UPDATE: This weeks accident in Warrick County could lead to a change in state law. The parents of Casey Groves say they were shocked to learn the penalty for driving past a school bus stop arm is just $125. They have contacted lawmakers to see if the fine could be increased to $1000 on the first offense and loss of license on the second. State Senator Vaneta Becker says she is researching the issue, but there may already be options in place that allow judges to increase the penalties. The child hurt in Mondays accident has been released from the hospital. Wednesday, Nov. 28: Flashing lights and a stop sign are the all school bus drivers have to keep their kids safe when they step off, or prepare to get on board. That became dangerously apparent earlier this week when an 8 year old Warrick County girl was hit by a car that apparently disregarded the lights and sign. In the wake of that accident, law enforcement is paying very close attention to school buses, and hope motorists are too. Lt. Paul Weinzapfel with the Warrick County Sheriffs Department says driver inattention and ignorance of the law contribute to motorists ignoring stopped school buses. Bus drivers leaving Castle High School and Newburgh Elementary Wednesday had a little extra help watching for distracted drivers Wednesday. Deputies rode buses and trailed them in unmarked patrol cars looking for motorists passing stopped buses with extended stop signs and flashing lights. During the afternoon commute, two tickets were written for wreckless drivers. "You see it all the time," Lt. Weinzapfel said, "People just dont pay attention." Weinzapfel also says many drivers dont know the law. He says when a bus is stopped with its lights flashing red and its stop arm extended, all lanes of traffic in both directions must stop if the road is not divided. Bus drivers say their routes are carefully planned to minimize the times students have to cross the street, but it still happens from time to time. They hope motorists dont soon forget the potentially deadly consequences of ignoring a stopped bus.