Florida Girl Hit by Car While Biking to School Highlights School Bus Policy Issues
An 11-year-old girl in Florida was struck by a car while biking to school last week, drawing attention to the ongoing debate over school bus policies. Jennifer Reznick’s daughter, Cherie, was riding her bike in the dark when the accident occurred. The driver of the car fled the scene but was later apprehended, thanks to an anonymous tip and investigative work by the New Port Richey police.
Cherie’s mother has been advocating for years to have her daughter assigned to a school bus route, but her requests were denied. The Pasco County School District requires students to live more than two miles from school to qualify for bus service. Reznick’s home is just one-tenth of a mile short of this requirement. This policy has been a source of frustration for Reznick, who had previously expressed concerns about the safety of her daughter’s commute.
Police reported that the driver, a 77-year-old man, was arrested after his vehicle was linked to the accident. According to Traffic Homicide Investigator Cpl. Al Hazime, the driver briefly checked on Cherie before abandoning her in the dark. Hazime emphasized that leaving an injured child unattended is unacceptable.
For further details on this case, visit KTLA News.
Superintendent Kurt Browning explained that the district’s strict bus policy is due to a shortage of drivers. Allowing exceptions could set a precedent, leading to numerous requests from other parents in similar situations. Browning acknowledged the challenge but maintained that the policy must be enforced consistently to avoid complicating the bus system further.
Read More News:
- Man Arrested 16 Years After Assault on Elderly Woman at Senior Living Facility
- California Mother Sentenced to Life for Poisoning Daughter with Prescription Pills
Despite having proper safety equipment, including a helmet and bike lights, Cherie sustained injuries but is expected to recover. This incident underscores the critical need for review and potential adjustment of school transportation policies to ensure student safety. It also raises questions about how school districts handle requests for transportation exceptions and manage safety concerns.