A new survey shows 89 percent of Duval County drivers say they’ve seen another driver pass a school bus while it was stopped, despite Florida law.<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 As Duval County Public Schools prepares to resume classes Wednesday, there\u2019s a renewed push to remind drivers of a critical safety rule: stop for school buses and slow down in school zones.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a growing concern across Duval County, where drivers are repeatedly seen speeding past stopped school buses \u2014 putting students at serious risk. A recent survey conducted by Sachs Media interviewed 800 Duval County residents about school bus safety. 89% of respondents said they’ve witnessed someone drive past a stopped bus, with its lights flashing, within the last year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, DCPS is teaming up with the Farah and Farah law firm in hopes of changing this driver behavior and preventing future tragedies.<\/p>\n
A new 30-second public service announcement titled \u201cRespect the Stop\u201d is at the center of the campaign. The message is simple but urgent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen red lights flash and school bus stop signs swing out, you have to stop. Full stop,” said Chuck Farah, senior partner at Farah and Farah law firm in the PSA.<\/p>\n
DCPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier says the need for action is backed by alarming numbers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs of December we’d had 17 incidents with students coming to and from school,” said Dr. Bernier. “Two fatalities and other students injured who, who are expected to fully recover, but we still have 17. Last year we had 3 student deaths, so we’re hoping this campaign “Be Safe, Be seen” and “Respect the Stop” will help drive the community to being more aware that our students are out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
With students returning to classrooms this week, officials say driver awareness is more important than ever \u2014 especially during the morning commute.<\/p>\n
Farah says distracted driving plays a major role in these violations.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo texting, you’ve seen that everywhere,” said Farah. “It’s been drilled into our minds, don’t text while you drive. Well, this aligns with that whole campaign because you’re not paying attention. They’re probably texting and running through these bus stop, these school bus stop signs.”<\/p>\n
Under Florida law, drivers on both sides of the road must come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped with its lights flashing. But a survey conducted in September of 800 Duval County residents shows many drivers are not following that law.<\/p>\n