A school bus accident in Cape Coral yesterday is a good reminder about how important it is to exercise caution around school buses. There is a great potential for injuries to children as well as drivers and passengers of the vehicles involved.
Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the crash that happened about 9 a.m. on Del Prado Boulevard at Viscaya Parkway in Cape Coral. Six kids suffered minor injuries or were taken to the hospital just as a precaution. The drivers were not injured.
The crash happened when a Pepsi truck hit the back of the school bus. Read more about the crash.
It’s important that all drivers be aware of school buses and the children around them. Buses make frequent stops so drivers need to be prepared. Buses also make wide turns and stop at the railroad tracks. Drivers can anticipate some of the actions a bus driver might take. That can help avoid crashes.
As a driver, do you know the school bus laws for Florida? Many people who live here are from another state and there are many snowbirds. It’s important to know the Florida laws. Read Florida law and the penalties for violating the law.
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to pickup or drop off children. Drivers need to slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm signal indicate that the bus is stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Cars must stop a safe distance away and not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop sign folds back, and the bus continues on its way.
Read more tips for school bus safety for drivers and children.
At Bernardo Injury Law, we are concerned about your safety and the safety of the children in our community. Contact us at (239) 332-3000 or email us at gethelp@injuryinfo.org.