Latest Blogs

In the United States, there are more than 25 million children riding school buses each day during the school year. Most of the children arrive at their destinations safely. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that between 2008 and 2017, 264 children, 18 years old and younger, were killed in school-transportation-related crashes.

“Southwest Florida schools open in August. This means there will be more vehicles on our roads and children at bus stops. In 2018, the number one cause of accidents involving children and school buses was distracted driving. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. would like to remind everyone to drive undistracted and save a child’s life, or a lifetime of permanent injury,” said Fort Myers Child Injury Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Recent studies show that many drivers are ignoring school bus warning lights and signs. They are speeding around parked school buses and endangering children who may unexpectedly step into traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that the school bus ride itself may not be the problem. The problem happens when children are encountering distracted drivers while getting on and off the bus.

Texting while driving and other distractions, such as attending to children in the vehicle, eating, drinking and/or adjusting electronics, may all lead to school bus accidents involving children.

School bus drivers are also required to drive undistracted. However, they may be distracted by looking at their cell phones, driving while eating and/or drinking, or by the sounds and actions of young riders.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that over 84 percent of drivers recognize the danger of cell phone distractions and find it “unacceptable” that drivers text or send emails while driving. Thirty-six percent of these same people admit to having read or sent a text message or email while driving in the previous month.

On July 1, 2019, Florida’s no texting and driving bill became law. This makes texting while driving a primary offense for which authorities may pull over a vehicle. Prior to July 1, texting while driving was a secondary offense.

“When you or a loved one is injured in an accident due to the negligence of another, after seeking medical attention, please contact our team. We have the expertise to assist you with your personal injury case. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of the enjoyment of life and potential punitive damages,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident 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.