“It’s a tragedy in the making.”
That’s what one parent of a high school student says in an Orlando Sentinel story about the fact that students who live within two miles of their Central Florida school are not eligible for school bus services. Now, 15-year-old Tabitha Freeman has to don a reflective vest and carry a flashlight as she walks against 6 a.m. traffic on County Road 565A in Clermont with no sidewalks and no street lights.
Thousands of school kids are in the same boat due to cutbacks; however, elementary school children are offered a bus on the same routes. And with more students being added to school enrollments, kids are facing danger admits the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Pedestrian Dangers
So far, almost one dozen Central Florida school kids have been hit by cars this year near a school or school bus stop. In Lake County alone five people have been killed by vehicles. In a recent study, Central Florida was the most hazardous area in the country for pedestrians.
The problem continues to be the cost, with one bus route costing about $42,000 a year.
It’s a heartbreaking scenario that is likely to lead to more pedestrian deaths and there is no immediate solution in sight.
If you or a loved one has become a victim in a pedestrian accident, an experienced Florida pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to file a claim of negligence so you can be compensated for your damages, including (but not limited to) medical treatment, lost wages, and future care. Our investigation can uncover all responsible parties and reconstruct the accident scene. But in the case of any pedestrian-car crash, it would be far better if we could put preventive measures in place so it doesn’t happen at all, especially when we can clearly see the potential for danger.
Source: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-10-29/health/os-long-walk-to-school-20111029_1_central-florida-students-school-districts-bus
