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NBC2 News reported on August 15, 2019 that speeding drivers have been caught on a Cape Coral roadway, just a few feet away from children waiting for school buses.

Neighbors said this is an everyday occurrence. Even though the speed limit on Mohawk Parkway in Cape Coral is 40 mph, drivers are going 50 mph, or even 60 mph. Neighbors have witnessed vehicles passing stopped school buses, which were displaying blinking lights and picking up students.

Phil Mullen of the Cape Coral Police Department told NBC2, “Once school is in session, we’re out there looking for the passing of the bus stop violators and typical red light stop sign speeders, things that are going to endanger pedestrians and mainly our students.”

Communities throughout the state of Florida have the responsibility of keeping our children and students safe. In addition to guidelines put in place to protect students, such as designated crosswalks, safety patrol guards, seat belt laws, etc., one of the most crucial laws is always stopping behind a school bus.

Florida statute 316.172 Traffic to stop for school buses says:

 (1)(a) Any person using, operating, or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon approaching any school bus which displays a stop signal, bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn. A person who violates this section commits a moving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.

(1)(b) Any person using, operating, or driving a vehicle that passes a school bus on the side that children enter and exit when the school bus displays a stop signal commits a moving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318, and is subject to a mandatory hearing under the provisions of s. 318.19.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends drivers do the following to make school bus transportation safer for everyone:

• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
• When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
• Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state, as well as the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:
  • Yellow flashing lightsindicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
  • Red flashing lightsand extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

“As drivers, it is our responsibility to make sure our children are safe when going to school. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. urge everyone to be alert and drive safely around school bus stops,” said Fort Myers Child Injury Attorney Randall Spivey. “If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, please contact our firm. We have the expertise to assist you and are available 24/7. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you.”

Fort Myers Child Injury Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.