My own children may be grown (in fact, Ramzi and Rania have joined the family firm). But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten the concern I felt watching our kids head off to school each day. And in my time as an attorney, I’ve seen enough cases where a routine moment turned into something no family ever expects.
Those experiences stay with you. They reinforce just how important it is to slow down, pay attention, and do our part to protect kids in our community. That’s why, as Duval County students head back to the classroom this fall, we’re renewing our “Respect the Stop” campaign: a message that’s more urgent now than ever.
School Bus Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
Keeping children safe isn’t just the responsibility of their parents. It’s something we all take part in, both as drivers and as members of the community. Every stopped school bus represents children simply trying to get to school or make it home, with parents waiting for them to arrive. That’s one of the reasons school bus safety matters so much to me.
This past spring, our community witnessed the dangerous reality of roadway negligence firsthand. In April, two crashes involving Duval County school buses occurred on Zoo Parkway less than a week apart. In the first, a semi-truck rear-ended a bus carrying kindergartners on a field trip, injuring four children. Days later, another bus carrying elementary school students was struck in the same area. These events were a profound reminder of just how vulnerable students are whenever they travel by bus.
The Numbers Tell a Sobering Story
The data backs up what we already feared: during May and June alone, school bus cameras in Duval County recorded 5,273 stop-arm violations.
When those lights flash, you stop. Period. No excuses, no shortcuts, and no multitasking behind the wheel. We’ve seen over 5,000 violations in two months, and that is a wake-up call for our community. We need to stop the rush and remember that our priority is getting these kids to school safely. It’s not just the law; it’s the right thing to do.
Certain areas in our community have seen this play out more than others. The data identified specific hotspots where these violations occur most frequently, including the 8800 block of Beaver Street, the 1100 block of Lane Avenue, and the 3200 block of Sans Pareil. If you regularly drive through these areas, please give yourself extra time and attention.
Stopping When School Bus Lights Are Flashing Can Save Lives
When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, children may be boarding, getting off the bus, or crossing the street. One of the most important things drivers can do is come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the stop arm is withdrawn and the red lights stop flashing.
Passing a stopped school bus isn’t just dangerous; it’s illegal. A driver who violates Florida’s school bus law can face serious legal and financial consequences. More importantly, a few seconds of impatience can put a child’s life at risk.
Know Florida School Bus Law
Florida law is clear on this: Statute 316.172 says that when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing, approaching drivers must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the signal is withdrawn. The main exception applies to drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a raised median, physical barrier, or an unpaved space at least five feet wide. A painted center turn lane does not count as a barrier.
Under Duval County’s stop-arm camera enforcement program, a violation carries a $225 fine.
How Drivers Can Help Keep Children Safe in School Zones
Other than stopping when a school bus has its lights flashing, there are other things you can do to help keep kids safe.
Whether it’s a school bus, a school zone, or a crosswalk, be sure to:
- Slow down in school zones and residential areas.
- Expect children to move unpredictably or enter the roadway without warning.
- Avoid distractions like cell phones, GPS, or adjusting your radio in high-risk areas.
- Watch for school-zone signs, crossing guards, flashing red lights, and extended bus stop arms.
- Reduce your speed during heavy rain, glare, and other low-visibility conditions.
These simple actions can make a meaningful difference in keeping children in our community safe.
Partnering With Duval County Public Schools To Protect Our Kids
Since our founding in 1979, our firm has been committed to serving our local communities, and school bus safety is no exception. That’s why we’ve partnered with Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville to help educate drivers about their responsibilities and raise awareness about how we can keep the children in our community safe, especially as students settle back into their routines this fall.
Recent survey data from Duval County shows just how necessary this campaign is. 76% of county residents report witnessing drivers illegally passing stopped school buses. Even more—81%—express concern about children’s safety when getting on and off the bus. Our goal is simple: we want Jacksonville to be a place where children can get to and from school safely, and parents don’t have to worry every time the bus pulls up.
Why School Bus Stop Risks Increase During Back-to-School Season
While protecting children at bus stops is important all year, the beginning of the school year presents additional risks. Children walking to and from bus stops may be especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents when visibility is low, including during darkness or heavy rain. As fall approaches, sunrise occurs later, and sunset arrives earlier, placing more children near roadways during lower-light hours.
Back-to-school season also brings heavier traffic as families resume their usual commute routines. Drivers may not yet be accustomed to sharing the road with school buses, while children may still be adjusting to unfamiliar routes, stops, and schedules. Together, these conditions make extra attention especially important.
Helping Keep Children Safe From School Bus Accidents
In my years working as an attorney, I’ve seen enough cases where a routine moment turned into something no family ever expects. We started this campaign because no family should ever have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child due to a preventable mistake. Most drivers don’t mean to put children in danger. But when we’re distracted or in a hurry, the risks increase for everyone.
Respecting the stop, slowing down, and staying alert are simple choices that can save lives. Together, we can help protect the children in our community and give families the peace of mind they deserve.
