Drivers must stop from either direction for a stopped school bus. | News4Jax
Published on January 7, 2026 at 12:34 pm
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Officials say 100,000 kids on their way to and from Duval County public schools will be safer if drivers heed a new “Respect the Stop” public awareness campaign about school bus safety.
The school district is teaming up with law firm Farah & Farah to improve student safety by reminding drivers to obey school bus stop arms.
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Law partner Chuck Farah cites a new Sachs Media survey in which 76% of respondents say they saw a driver illegally pass a stopped school bus at least once in the past year.
“The survey shows that most people witness cars cruising through these stop signs. And it’s a scary situation so we’re behind it. We want to donate time, media time, to the campaign to make the public aware,” Farah said.
The campaign was unveiled during a news conference Tuesday at the Duval County school administration building. Farah and school Superintendent Christopher Bernier stood side by side to say there is widespread concern about dangerous driving behaviors around school buses in Duval County.
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Bus safety concerns
Bernier said 17 incidents involving students going to or from school have resulted in injuries and two fatalities. The previous year had three student fatalities.
“We’ve got to make people aware, and you do that through over and over again, sending the message over and over again,” Bernier said. “The bus stops are all on the right side of the street. We make it apparent, but sometimes our parents park on another side of the street.
“We did have a specific incident this year with a student crossing double lanes from their parents’ vehicle. Really important, I think, to always ensure that you’re on the right side of the street where the bus is going to stop, but to our community, put your cellphones down,” Bernier said.
Bernier urged parents to focus, especially with the winter months bring darker mornings and afternoons.
“It’s going to be a little bit darker in the evenings, and when they’re making their way home from after school and athletic programs as well,” he said. “I always remind myself that when I get tired of saying it, people are just starting to hear it, and I appreciate the partnership with Farah and Farah to help continue to deliver that message.”
The Sachs Media survey of 800 people found that:
- Nearly all Duval County residents (96%) say they know that drivers approaching from both directions must stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing — but many also see regular violations by drivers.
- Despite widespread knowledge of this law, 89% say that they’ve witnessed drivers failing to stop, as required, when a school bus has its stop signs extended and flashing lights on. Only 11% say that in their experience, drivers in their community “always” obey it.
- In the past year alone, 76% have personally seen drivers ignore or illegally pass a stopped school bus at least one time in Duval County.
- Eight in 10 residents (81%) say they’re either very (41%) or somewhat (39%) concerned about the safety of children when getting on or off school buses in their community.
The “Respect the Stop” public service announcements will start right away on television and include digital and social media through the spring semester. They emphasize driver responsibility and vigilance and encourage the community to:
- Stay alert during morning and afternoon bus hours
- Stop for stopped school buses with flashing lights and never pass a stopped school bus
- Slow down in school zones
