Collier County Mother Demands Action Following School Bus Safety Incident

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Details of the School Bus Safety Incident

The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 PM on Tuesday, October 24th, at the intersection of Golden Gate Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard. A Collier County school bus, route #37, carrying 22 elementary school students, was involved in a near-miss collision with a speeding SUV. According to eyewitness accounts, the SUV ran a red light, narrowly missing the school bus by mere inches. While no injuries were reported, the close call left students and parents shaken. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and investigated the incident; a police report is pending. The reckless driving of the SUV driver underscores the vulnerability of school buses and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. This wasn’t just a near-miss; it was a wake-up call highlighting the potential for a catastrophic accident.

• Time: 3:15 PM, Tuesday, October 24th
• Location: Intersection of Golden Gate Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard
• Bus Route: #37
• Number of Students: 22
• Injuries: None reported
• Police Involvement: Yes, Collier County Sheriff’s Office responded.

The Mother's Demands for Improved School Bus Safety

Sarah Miller, whose daughter was on the bus during the near-miss, is spearheading a campaign for significant improvements to school bus safety in Collier County. She is not merely demanding a response; she's demanding systemic change. Her demands include:

• Improved Driver Training: More rigorous training focusing on defensive driving techniques and awareness of potential hazards.
• Increased Monitoring: Greater surveillance of bus routes, potentially using GPS tracking and dashcam footage, to ensure adherence to speed limits and safe driving practices.
• Additional Safety Features: Upgrading buses with additional safety features, such as advanced warning systems and improved braking systems.
• Speed Limit Reductions: Implementing lower speed limits in school zones and near bus stops.

Miller has launched an online petition and is organizing a community meeting to garner support for her demands. “My daughter was terrified,” Miller stated. “This incident could have been a tragedy. We need to do everything possible to prevent this from happening again.” Her voice resonates with the anxieties of many parents in Collier County concerned about their children's safety.

Current School Bus Safety Measures in Collier County

Collier County Schools currently employs several safety measures, including stop-arm cameras to catch drivers illegally passing stopped buses, comprehensive driver background checks, and regular bus maintenance schedules. However, the recent near-miss highlights potential shortcomings in these existing protocols. The frequency of near-misses and the severity of this particular incident suggest a need for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to school bus safety. More robust driver training, advanced safety technologies, and community engagement are crucial to address the vulnerabilities exposed by this incident.

Response from Collier County Schools and Relevant Authorities

The Collier County School District issued a statement acknowledging the incident and assuring parents that they are taking the matter seriously. An internal investigation is underway to review the circumstances surrounding the near-miss and determine if any procedural changes are needed. While the District has committed to reviewing current safety protocols, specific plans for future improvements have yet to be announced publicly. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigation is also ongoing. Further updates are expected as these investigations progress. Transparency and swift action are crucial to reassure the community and prevent future incidents.

Conclusion

The school bus near-miss in Collier County serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our children on their daily commute. Sarah Miller's passionate advocacy for enhanced school bus safety is commendable and underscores the urgent need for improved protocols. The Collier County School District's response, while promising, must translate into concrete actions to address the identified shortcomings. Help ensure the safety of our children; contact the Collier County School Board today to express your concerns about school bus safety and demand improved measures. Share this story to raise awareness about school bus safety in Collier County and help prevent future incidents. Let's work together to create safer school bus routes for our children.