Florida student hospitalized after car speeds past bus stop, deputies say
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A teenager was hospitalized on Thursday after a vehicle ran a bus stop sign while the student was crossing to get on the school bus, according to deputies.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office said a car failed to stop for a school bus that was slowing to a stop, with its yellow blinking lights.
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Investigators revealed that the driver swerved into another lane, accelerated, and struck the student, who was crossing from the median to get to their bus.
The crash sent the teen to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials said that although the bus hadn't yet deployed its stop signs or red flashing lights, the "driver's actions created an unsafe environment and resulted in the student being injured."
Thankfully, the student was treated and eventually released from the hospital.
The driver was issued a citation for reckless driving, according to the sheriff's office.
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Deputies want to remind drivers that they must stop when school buses are picking up or dropping off students.
Here are some helpful reminders from the sheriff's office:
Vehicles driving in both directions on two-lane or multi-line roadways with no median must stop.
Vehicles driving on roadways that are divided by a median or barrier must stop if following the bus and proceed cautiously if on the other side of the median.
When stopping for a bus, stay at least 10 feet back to allow children the space to safely enter and exit the bus.
As students return back to school this week after Hurricane Milton put school operations on a brief hold, authorities said they are conducting additional school bus safety enforcement operations.
