CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Driver Hits Girl with Car While Boarding Schoolbus

REPORT (GCNN): A 14-year-old girl was hit by a car while walking to her school bus on Coconut Shore Drive in Estero, Florida, after the driver attempted to pass the stopped bus.

This video reports on a dangerous traffic incident in Estero, Florida, involving a student named Abigail (0:41).

Key takeaways from the report:

• The Incident: In March, Abigail was struck by a car while walking to her school bus on Coconut Shore Drive after the driver reportedly attempted to illegally pass the stopped bus (0:44-0:53).

• The Aftermath: Abigail survived the accident and is recovering from whiplash (1:07-1:13). The driver received a citation for careless driving and following too closely, resulting in a $161 fine (1:17-1:28).

Broader Safety Concerns: The report highlights a recurring issue with drivers failing to stop for school buses. The Lee County School District has installed
cameras to catch violators, which has led to over 25,000 citations since December, totaling nearly $6 million in fines (1:39-2:48).

‣ Dangerous Hotspots: The sheriff identified Pondello Road, Homestead Road, and Bonita Beach Road as specific areas where this remains a significant problem (1:56-2:03).

The report concludes with a desperate plea from the student’s familv and local officials for drivers to slow down and remain vigilant when approaching school buses to prevent future tragedies (2:05-2:20)