Three students from Durant High School in Tampa were injured as a result of a pedestrian accident near Bonterra Boulevard and Miller Road. The injuries were not classified as life threatening, although two of the students had to be hospitalized.
According to investigators, a Hillsborough County school bus stopped in the southbound section of Miller Road at approximately 6:30 a.m. to pick up some of the school’s students. The bus driver activated the signs and stop lights on the bus to alert traffic to stop for the safety of the students.
However, while three students were crossing the road, the 18-year-old driver of a 2003 Jeep Liberty failed to stop, striking the students before they could get across the street. The hospitalized students were 15 and 17 years old, and they were taken via ambulance to Brandon Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. The third student was a 17-year-old who suffered a sprained ankle.
The driver of the Jeep received a citation for failure to stop for a school bus.
Drivers must obey school bus signs
The stop sign and lights on school buses are not suggestions — they are legally enforceable signage that direct motorists to stop while children are being picked up or dropped off. Drivers in all directions must stop when this signage and lights are activated. Unfortunately, many younger motorists do not realize this is the law.
If you would like to explore your options after a serious car accident, meet with a skilled Florida personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.