Crashes involving school buses create safety concerns

Over the past few days, there have been five different crashes involving school buses hitting kids — from Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Kentucky to here in Florida. And, in Indiana, a family lost their three children.

More than 600 cars illegally passed school buses during a one-day survey completed in lee County this year.

The Lee County school district said only a portion of their drivers in the county participated.

Dennis Rubio is a father of three, and it’s heartbreaking for him to hear about cars hitting children at their bus stops.

“It’s very upsetting,” Rubio said. “And it’s unfortunate. It’s caution [to] be aware what’s going on.”

Schools around the country are considering adding an extended stop sign arm to their buses to prevent cars from illegally passing. But, Rubio said the best thing you can do is communicate with your kids.

“Just let the kids know what’s needed to have a consciousness and understanding of what’s going on around here,” Rubio said.

Rubio has personally instilled awareness and safety in his son Blake.

“When we cross the street, we look both ways,” Blake said. “And we stay on the sidewalk, so we don’t get hit by cars.”

When a bus stops in a double lane, cars in both directions must stop as well. The same goes for multi-lane roads. But, in a divided highway, vehicles coming the opposite direction don’t have to stop but should proceed with caution.

Children can check their surroundings and stay far off the road while waiting for the bus. When waiting for a school bus when it’s dark outside, bright-colored clothing helps them stand out.

“It’s all about safety and being aware of your surroundings,” Rubio said.