School Bus Safety Laws Routinely Disregarded by Florida Drivers

For reasons unknown, Florida motorists are ignoring school bus safety laws. Whether the motorist is impatient, ignorant of the law or inattentive, negligent drivers are regularly illegally passing school buses stopped to pick up or drop off students. Bill Bowen, a bus driver, commented on a recent encounter with a motorist, "A lady in a black BMW came up and passed on my right. She missed my kid by about 3 or 4 feet. It's amazing what some of these motorists do."

Under Florida law, drivers traveling in both directions must stop when approaching any school bus with its flashing red lights activated and its stop signs extended. There are two exceptions to this law:

• If the motorist is traveling in the opposite direction of the school bus and is on a divided highway with an unpaved space of at least five feet
• If the motorist is traveling in the opposite direction of the school bus on a divided highway with a physical barrier or raised median.

Violators of the law can be fined up to $500. In addition, motorists can be cited for a moving violation, receive four points against their license and be required to complete a driver education course. Florida law mandates that law enforcement witness the offense before they can charge a violator.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimates that motorists in the state illegally pass school buses over 8,900 times a day. "In many cases motorists either are not paying attention or don't understand the law," said Sgt. Chuck Mulligan of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Whatever the reason is for the continuing violations, Florida motorists are regularly putting children in unnecessary danger. If a motorist injures your child while he or she is entering or exiting a school bus, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help answer your questions, examine the circumstances of your case and help you determine the best course of action.

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