Nearly 15,000 drivers cited in Lee County for failing to stop for school buses

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Nearly 15,000 drivers in Lee County were cited over a three-month period for failing to stop for school buses, according to new data released by the School District of Lee County.

District officials say each violation puts children at risk as they get on or off buses at neighborhood stops.

“Drivers are just pretty inconsiderate,” said Andrew Poltzer of Cape Coral. “I think people are in too much of a hurry in general. There might be some confusion about when to stop or not.”

Under Florida law, motorists must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm. Drivers who fail to do so face a $225 fine in Lee County.

The citations issued in the three-month span amount to more than $3 million in fines. Revenue from the violations is split among the school district, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the camera company that operates the bus-mounted enforcement system.

The district recently released new video footage showing multiple drivers ignoring stopped school buses. Rob Spicker, a spokesperson for the school district, said the purpose of enforcement is safety, not revenue.

“The smart play is to stop,” Spicker said. “If the bus lights are flashing and the stop arm is out, protect the kids getting on or off, do yourselves and our community a favor and don’t cause an issue.”

Some residents say the number of violations is troubling.

“That’s sad because this is the future — our children,” said Joy Newberry of Cape Coral, who raised three sons who rode the school bus. “Hopefully, 15,000 people learned not to do it again. But I don’t know how many more are left to learn.”

School officials say they hope stepped-up enforcement will change driver behavior and ease parents’ concerns about their children’s safety at bus stops.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.