Driver’s Near Miss with Student Highlights School Bus Safety Concerns in Tampa

Driver Avoids Collision with Student in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida – An alarming incident recently occurred when a driver barely missed a student crossing the street to board a school bus. This close call happened on November 21 and was later highlighted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office through a video shared on December 11.

What Happened

The video demonstrates a car speeding by while a student was attempting to cross the road to get on a school bus. The vehicle did not stop despite the bus displaying flashing lights and an extended stop arm. Fortunately, the driver narrowly missed hitting the student, who was just steps away from the vehicle.

Response from Authorities

In light of this alarming event, the sheriff’s office issued a reminder to all drivers, emphasizing the necessity of stopping when approaching a school bus that is picking up or dropping off students. “Drivers, this is a crucial reminder that you must stop when you see a school bus with flashing lights and the stop arm extended. Please stay vigilant and remember the safety of our students depends on it,” the statement read on the agency’s Facebook page.

Legal Consequences for Drivers

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, motorists are legally required to halt their vehicles when a school bus has its stop sign extended and flashing lights activated. Violations of this law can result in a minimum fine of $265 and the addition of four points on the driver’s license. In cases where drivers pass on the side where children enter or exit, the penalty can increase to $465.

New Safety Measures in Place

This event is particularly significant as it marks the first year that camera systems have been installed on school buses in the Tampa area to capture illegal violations. These cameras are intended to enhance student safety by ensuring that drivers adhere to laws surrounding school bus stopping requirements.

Importance of Awareness

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and local authorities stress the importance of remaining vigilant near school zones and paying attention to school buses. With the installation of camera systems, authorities hope to deter reckless driving near buses and ensure the safety of children commuting to and from school.

Conclusion

Incidents like this serve as critical reminders for drivers everywhere. The narrow miss of a student in Tampa highlights the serious consequences of not following traffic laws related to school buses. Community engagement and continued education on these laws are essential to protect the young ones in our neighborhoods.