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New legislation passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis on May 31, 2023, allows Florida school districts to capture camera images of drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses with red flashing lights and extended stop signs. July 1, 2023, SB766 took effect and can lead to drivers facing a $225 fine if they are captured on buses’ cameras.

In 2022, before passing SB766, the Florida Department of Education surveyed school bus drivers. The survey found there were widespread instances of vehicles illegally passing stopped buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs. On a single day, 7,867 illegal passes were made based on the observations of the 6,416 school bus drivers completing the survey.

The new Florida law permits school districts to contract with private companies to install cameras on school buses. The cameras will be able to produce a recorded video along with two or more still images that document infractions. Part of the law requires school districts, opting into the camera program, to conduct 30-day public awareness campaigns and install “high-visibility reflective signage” saying CAMERA ENFORCED on school buses.

2022 Florida School Bus Accident

The News-Press reported in August 2022 that two teens were injured while waiting for their school bus in Fort Myers. A vehicle was traveling east on Orange River Boulevard when the right front of the car hit the teenagers. The teens were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). A 17-year-old female driver left the scene of the accident but was later arrested.

School Bus Accident Injuries

Students are vulnerable when they are waiting for, or departing from, their school buses. If they are hit by vehicles, their injuries may be catastrophic. Some of the injuries may be:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Paralysis
• Brain injuries
• Burns
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Internal injuries

FLHSMV Provides Tips for Avoiding School Bus Stop Accidents

Here are just a few tips for drivers from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV):

• Be alert and watch out for children, especially near schools, bus stops, school buses, and school parking lots.

• Stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended.

• All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.

• On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.

• The only time traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop, is if there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least five feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic.

• On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers). However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus.

“If you or a loved one has been injured at a school bus stop because of the negligence of another, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We have an experienced team to assist you and your family 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. You may reach us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey, who litigates all types of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases in Florida.