Legislative Action Following Student’s School Bus Accident
A recent incident involving a South Florida student highlights a significant safety gap in private school transport regulations. After a 15-year-old was injured upon disembarking from a private school van, his mother is advocating for improved safety measures that may soon lead to legislative changes.
Incident Overview
The student involved, Nicholas Suarez-Saenz, was struck by a van right after getting off the school shuttle in Coral Gables. The accident unfolded when Nicholas began to cross the street without the protection of a stop sign on the private school vehicle, as captured by nearby security footage. Authorities later determined that the driver of the van had crossed a double yellow line during the incident.
“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,” Nicholas recounted, reflecting on the incident, which resulted in only minor injuries.
Advocacy for Change
Dr. Regina Saenz, Nicholas’s mother, expressed her shock and concern after the accident, which she believes could have been avoided if safety measures were in place. She noted that while Florida mandates stop signs on public school buses, similar regulations do not extend to private school transportation. This revelation prompted her to mobilize for change.
“My goal for speaking out… was to share our experience and to promote change to ensure that every child has the same protection when they go to school,” Dr. Saenz emphasized.
Legislative Response
In response to the incident and Dr. Saenz’s advocacy, State Senator Ileana Garcia introduced Senate Bill 52. This proposed legislation aims to standardize safety measures across all school transportation options, ensuring that all students, whether they attend public, private, or charter schools, benefit from the same safety regulations.
Senator Garcia stated, “This legislation would standardize safety requirements for all school buses and vehicles, ensuring that students are transported safely regardless of their school type.”
Looking Ahead
The bill’s introduction marks the beginning of a legislative process, with the 2025 session set to commence in March. Dr. Saenz remains hopeful that this initiative will facilitate essential safety improvements for the future.
“If at one point down the line, another child can be prevented from getting injured as they’re transporting from school, it would be so satisfying for me,” she concluded, underscoring her commitment to transforming her family’s experience into a broader safety movement.
Conclusion
The push for improved safety standards in school transportation reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect students, regardless of the type of school they attend. As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of legislative action in safeguarding children on their daily commutes.
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