(WKYT) – Twenty minutes before sunrise, a Fayette County Public Schools student was hit by a car at a bus stop. Now AAA is warning drivers about the risks of driving in low light.
The crash happened around 7:25 a.m. Tuesday on Briar Hill Road. Lexington police confirmed the school bus stop arm was not out at the time of the crash. The student who was hit was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
AAA warns of seasonal driving risks
WKYT spoke with AAA Bluegrass about the dangers of driving as daylight hours shorten this time of year. Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager for AAA Bluegrass, said low light, fog, deer, and sun glare increase roadway risk during early fall mornings, especially as the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches.
According to Hawkins, Kentucky recorded more than 100 pedestrian deaths for all of last year.
“This year in Kentucky, we’ve already seen over 1,300 crashes that have involved pedestrians and over 70 deaths resulting from that, so it’s a very serious situation,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins encouraged drivers to take precautions, including cleaning windshields inside and out, wearing polarized sunglasses if needed, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel. She said the most important step drivers can take is slowing down to increase reaction time.
“Whether it’s school or other pedestrians, those morning commutes and again in the afternoon and evening, slow down your speed; it’s less than desirable lighting conditions and we have more foot traffic, you need to reduce that speed,” Hawkins said.
Pedestrian safety tips
Hawkins said safety is a two-way responsibility, and pedestrians should also take precautions, such as wearing bright or reflective clothing, staying alert, and crossing at crosswalks. She said it’s smart to make sure a driver sees you before stepping into the road, even if you have the right of way.
Hawkins said AAA encourages parents to instill these safety habits in their kids early.
“Stay focused on that traffic, and not on your phone and not with your headphones and your music so that you are aware of what’s going around you and do what you can to be seen by other vehicles,” Hawkins said.
What we know about Tuesday’s crash
Lexington police said the crash remains under active investigation, and they do not expect criminal charges.
Police said House Bill 7, which increases fines for drivers who fail to stop for an extended school bus stop arm, does not apply to this case, since the stop arm was not out. Officers said the department d