A rash of accidents involving children being struck and injured or killed at bus stops by passing vehicles has continued with yet another tragic event in Tampa, Florida.
In the early hours of Nov. 1, 2018, a car plowed into a group of children and adults waiting on a school bus at the corner of Marvy and East Bougainvillea. Five children were injured, leaving one in critical condition. The driver was arrested, although it isn’t clear exactly what charges he or she may face. Police claim that alcohol was not involved.
Most likely, this is another case of either reckless or distracted driving. There have been a string of incidents in just the past few weeks — many within days of each other — all over the country.
The Florida incident occurred the same day a Pennsylvania child was found dead from a hit-and-run accident at his bus stop. The day before, two children were seriously injured in a hit-and-run by their bus stop in Kentucky and there were similar incidents in both Mississippi and Florida. Earlier in the week, three children, all siblings, were killed while trying to board their bus in Indiana when another driver failed to stop as required as the bus loaded.
It’s incredibly important for drivers and pedestrians to be on the alert — especially now that it is frequently dark during early-morning commutes. Drivers need to drink their coffee before they hit the road and keep their eyes focused on the road, particularly in residential areas where children and parents may be waiting on buses. For their part, parents and children need to be alert to the danger from passing cars. Use reflective tape on jackets and backpacks and stay back from the road whenever possible.
Pedestrian accidents are often terribly serious or fatal simply because the human body is no match for any type of vehicle, at any speed. If you or your loved one has been in a pedestrian accident with a motor vehicle, make sure that you find out more about your right to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.