Got Brakes? Cops Want to Know

As students throughout Hillsborough County prepare to hit the books once more on Aug. 19, the sheriff’s office is taking a proactive approach to educate drivers about safety wen buses are on the roads.

To this end, the agency has launched an awareness campaign titled “Got Brakes?” The campaign is meant to help drivers brush up on Florida laws related to school buses and what they need to know and do to avoid costly tickets and – more importantly – accidents involving children.

“When Hillsborough County public schools return on Aug.19, our deputies will be out in force, in patrol cruisers, motorcycles and unmarked vehicles keeping watch for motorists who don’t know and don’t heed state law regarding stopping for a school bus,” wrote Det. Larry McKinnon in an email to media. “Got Brakes? Good, use them when a school bus is close.”

There are strong number to support the need for such an awareness campaign. A Florida Department of Education one-day survey conducted in 2012 showed that more than 21,000 drivers passed a school bus illegally.

“That represents over 3.7 million possible violations by motorists in Florida during the 180-day school year,” McKinnon said. “Each illegal pass-by could result in a tragic injury or fatality of a student. The inconvenience of an extra few seconds spent waiting for a stopped school bus is insignificant compared to the loss of a child’s life.”

Motorists are urged to watch the county’s video on the do’s and don’ts of safety around school buses. They’re also asked to use caution when those bells ring Aug. 19.