Cape Coral firefighters provide free backpack reflectors to improve school bus stop safety

Cape Coral firefighters are offering free backpack reflectors to help children stay visible at bus stops, addressing concerns about reckless drivers and poorly lit areas. "I'm waiting for the bus at the bus stops, I have people like, fly through the neighborhood and don't even look out for students," said Gavin June, a Cape Coral student who started his senior year today. For the past couple of years, Gavin has been taking the school bus. "I had gotten off and people, they were just, like, fly by me within feet and just wouldn't care to, like, slow down or anything," he said. His mother, Nicole June, shared her concerns about the conditions at his bus stop. "I know sometimes his bus stop is really dark. It's in the neighborhood. So it's give or take if the street light is on sometimes or if it's even working right," she said. Parents in Cape Coral have expressed frustration with drivers ignoring safety measures, such as bus stop signs and flashing red lights. "We used to get up extra early and stay out there with them. And we'd either had them sit in the vehicle with us, you know, while we're waiting for the school bus or, you know, be out there with a flashlight," said Cannon Wein, a Cape Coral resident. To address these concerns, Cape Coral firefighters are providing free backpack reflectors year-round at all 13 fire stations. While the reflectors are available throughout the year, firefighters emphasize their importance at the start of the school year. "This is just a tool. The most important thing you can do is have a conversation with your child. It's a two-part kind of an equation. The driver has to be safe, but the kids also need to be safe," said Lt. Jason Spinner of the Cape Coral Fire Department. Gavin and his mom were unaware of the backpack reflectors but plan to pick one up soon. "It's so dark. I think you'd be better if I would get one. Just so people are able to see me in the group, I'm with," Gavin said. 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.