Give School Buses a BRAKE

Beginning on the 19th of August, the 2016 national enforcement campaign “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” will launch across the country.   Enforced through early September, this safety campaign is designed to target drunk driving – one of the deadliest yet preventable crimes.  Drunk driving is a serious safety problem in Florida and the rest of the U.S.

August through September is also the timeframe when most schools across the country resume class and school buses are out on the roads.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) has stated that nearly 1/3 of school-age children killed in school transportation-related accidents (2003-2012) were hit by other vehicles on the road.  School bus safety stopping laws haves become an important measure to protect our children. Stopping laws dictate required vehicle stopping near any stopped school bus as well as penalties for any violation.

In a nutshell, all drivers should stop immediately when they see a school bus with lights flashing and/or a “stop” sign out and never pass a school bus that’s loading or unloading students.  Drivers must obey all local laws, signs, and speed limits, and follow these important safety guidelines:

  • Slow down, be alert, and drive with caution near schools, residential neighborhoods, and bus stops.
  • Be extra careful and stop near any school bus with red flashing lights or an extended “STOP” arm. Either of these signals mean students are either boarding or exiting a bus.
  • Drivers in both directions must stop near any school bus loading or unloading in a parking lot, on or near school property, on a highway or multilane road, on a two-lane road or a divided roadway with no median.  Always give the bus extra space and be prepared to stop suddenly.
  • School buses stop at railroad crossings; be aware and ready to stop.
  • If a school bus has another bus in front of it, be prepared to stop.
  • Watch for children on or near the road in the morning and after school.
  • When driving near school zones or crosswalks, do not pass other vehicles nor change lanes or make U-turns. Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.
  • Never text or use a cell phone while driving.

If you, a family member, or a friend has been involved in a school bus or other motor vehicle accident, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help.

For more information on school bus safety, visit www.FloridaSchoolBusSafety.gov.

Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.

Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.  The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work.  Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury.  For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.

school-bus-line-up