Tampa, Fla. — A Close Call for Local Child
On November 21, a child in Tampa nearly faced a serious accident after getting off a school bus. The incident occurred on Williams Road, where the child crossed the street just as a car sped by without stopping. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has made this video public to raise awareness about the importance of school bus safety.
The Incident
In the footage shared by law enforcement, the child can be seen stepping off the bus and initiating a crossing of the road. With the bus’s flashing lights activated and its stop arm extended, drivers are legally required to halt their vehicles. However, the video shows a car driving past the bus, missing the child by mere inches.
Purpose of the Video
The sheriff’s office released the video on December 11 as a crucial reminder for all drivers in Florida. The agency emphasized that when a school bus displays its warning signals, stopping is not just a recommendation; it is a legal obligation. In their social media post, deputies remarked, “Drivers, this is a crucial reminder that you must stop when you see a school bus with flashing lights and the stop arm extended.”
Why This Matters
This alarming incident underlines the ongoing issue of pedestrian safety, particularly for children. The sheriff’s office wants to ensure that motorists recognize their responsibility and understand that student safety relies on their vigilance. The agency stated, “Please stay vigilant and remember the safety of our students depends on it.”
Safety Tips for Drivers
To improve safety around school buses, the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition has provided several important tips for drivers:
- Be Alert: Always be on the lookout for school buses, especially in residential areas.
- Obey the Signals: Understand that flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate a bus is picking up or dropping off children.
- Slow Down: Reduce speed when approaching school zones and bus stops.
- Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from the bus to give children enough space to enter or exit safely.
- Educate Young Drivers: Teach young family members about the importance of respecting school bus signals.
A Call to Action
As this incident shows, the consequences of disregarding traffic laws at school bus stops can be dire. The sheriff wants all community members to actively participate in making the roads safer for children.
In summary, the close call experienced by the child on Williams Road raises serious concerns about road safety for young pedestrians, especially in areas with school bus stops. Both parents and drivers must play a part in ensuring a safe environment for students as they travel to and from school.
For the sake of future safety, it is imperative for everyone to remain informed and vigilant, especially when driving near school buses. Taking a moment to stop can mean the difference between a safe arrival home and a tragedy.
