Advocacy for Safer Private School Transport Following Accident
A Coral Gables mother is calling for stricter safety regulations for private school transportation after her son was recently involved in a serious accident. Dr. Regina Saenz’s 15-year-old son, Nicholas, was struck by a van while crossing the street, an incident she believes could have been easily avoided.
The Incident
Just before the recent spring break, Dr. Saenz received a distressing call informing her that her son had been hit by a van. The moment was captured on a neighbor’s security camera, showing Nicholas attempting to cross Coral Way when a van, having crossed a double-yellow line, abruptly struck him.
Immediate Aftermath
Dr. Saenz, who is a surgeon, arrived at the emergency room to find her son in a trauma bay, expecting the worst given her medical expertise. Fortunately, Nicholas sustained only minor injuries, including a dislocated ankle. Reflecting on the incident, Nicholas remarked, “I was really lucky. A second later on his end, or a second earlier for me, I couldn’t be here in this interview right now.”
Call for Change
Both mother and son are grateful for his survival but emphasize the need for improved safety measures. Nicholas expressed that the accident could have been “easily avoided” if the private school van had adhered to protocols similar to those that public school buses must follow.
Current Regulations in Florida
In Florida, public school buses are mandated to be equipped with stop signs, but this requirement does not extend to private school vans. While counties have the authority to enforce similar regulations for private transport, many do not. Heather Walker, another concerned parent, questions why Miami-Dade County does not require stop signs for private school vehicles.
According to Ivan Cotayo from the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation, private school vans are classified as regular vehicles used temporarily for transporting children. The county does require these vans to display a “Caution Transporting Children” sign.
A Step Towards Improvement
In light of recent events, the county has expressed willingness to consider enhancing safety measures for private school transportation. Cotayo stated, “We would not be opposed to that. Anything to bring more safety for our kids, the department is in favor of that.”
Moreover, some legislators in Florida, including State Senator Ileana Garcia, have voiced support for reform. Garcia highlighted the need for “stringent safety standards,” asserting that “the safety of our children is non-negotiable.” She plans to address the discrepancies between private and public school transportation in the upcoming legislative session.
Moving Forward
As Nicholas continues his recovery, he has decided to opt out of using the school bus. Dr. Saenz is determined to ensure that such an incident does not repeat itself for other families, stressing the importance of equal safety measures for all children regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions. She passionately states, “We can learn from bad things that happen, and we can always try to make things better and make change for others.”
The Saenz family remains committed to transforming their experience into a crusade for child safety in transportation.
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