School Zone Accident in Clermont Tragically Claims Life of High School Student
A tragic incident occurred earlier this week in Clermont, Central Florida, as a 17-year-old high school student was struck and fatally injured by a 78-year-old school bus driver. As reported by Fox News, the fatal school zone accident occurred when the driver made a left-hand turn near the school’s entrance, but failed to notice the student in the crosswalk on his bicycle. She saw him at the last minute, which caused her to swerve to the left. Tragically, it was too late, and the bus collided with the student before veering off the road. The teen succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Alongside the driver, there were two passengers in the bus, a 55-year-old woman, and an 18-year-old woman, both of whom escaped unharmed.
Even for school bus drivers, presumed to be some of the safest drivers, school zones can pose significant dangers. Avoiding a school zone accident requires the utmost caution from all motorists. School zone accidents often involve failing to notice bicyclists or pedestrians which lead to devastating consequences, as seen in this recent Clermont incident.
Driving in Florida School Zones
In Florida, the posted speed limit within a school zone is 20 mph, although some cities or municipalities may enforce a 15 mph limit. Flashing beacons serve as indicators when entering and exiting school zones. It’s important to note that obstructing a crosswalk is strictly prohibited within school zones. Even when picking up a child, you cannot block the crosswalk. When a crossing guard is present, all motorists are obligated to follow their instructions.
Penalties for speeding and other moving violations in school zones are significantly more severe than those for similar offenses in other areas. Even exceeding the speed limit by just 1 mph can result in a $50 fine without any prior warnings.
Florida Legislature has enacted specific rules in recent years regarding mobile phone use in or near schools. Using a cellphone without a hands-free device like Bluetooth while driving in a school zone is strictly prohibited. In fact, merely holding a cellphone in your hand is sufficient grounds for a police officer to stop a driver and issue a citation. Moving violations in a school zone incur a fine and three points on the driver’s record.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley have successfully resolved over 16,000 cases, recovering over $500 Million for clients nationwide in various personal injury claims, from motor vehicle accidents, to slips and falls, to dog bites. Despite the challenges of driving in school zones, both motorists and pedestrians/cyclists must exercise vigilance. If you or someone you know was injured in a school zone accident, you will need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you to recover maximum damages for your injuries. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. today at (877) 694-6079 or contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation regarding your situation if you have been injured by someone else’s negligence.