An Orlando mother’s terrifying experience has reignited calls for stronger enforcement of traffic laws after multiple cars were caught speeding past her children’s stopped school bus — an act that could have ended in tragedy. The heart-stopping moment, captured on home surveillance video, shows just how close danger came to striking.
The footage begins with a yellow school bus stopping on a two-lane road, its lights flashing and stop arm extended. A group of young children waits on the sidewalk, preparing to cross. But within seconds, a speeding car ignores the stop signal and blasts past the bus — missing the children by mere feet.
The mother, identified as Alyssa Ramirez, said her heart stopped when she saw what happened. “I watched my kids freeze in fear,” she told reporters. “That car didn’t even slow down. One second later and it could’ve been the worst day of my life.”
According to Florida law, all vehicles must stop when a school bus displays its flashing red lights and extended stop arm. However, violations are shockingly common. Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety shows that hundreds of drivers are cited every year for illegally passing stopped school buses — putting children’s lives at risk daily.
For Alyssa, this isn’t just a statistic — it’s personal. “I’m done waiting for someone to get hurt,” she said. “I want real enforcement, real penalties, and more awareness before another parent loses their child.”
After the incident, she shared the video on social media, where it quickly went viral. Thousands of viewers expressed outrage, tagging local officials and demanding change. “How can anyone be in such a rush that they ignore a school bus?” one commenter wrote. “It’s not just reckless — it’s heartless.”
Local authorities have since confirmed that they are investigating the incident. “Passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal, it’s extremely dangerous,” said an Orlando police spokesperson. “We are reviewing footage to identify the driver.”
The school district has also vowed to increase safety measures. Officials are now exploring the installation of bus-mounted cameras that automatically record license plates of violators — technology that has proven effective in other states.
Safety advocates say the problem often comes down to impatience and distraction. “Too many drivers treat school zones and buses as inconveniences,” said traffic safety expert Linda Greer. “But those few seconds of waiting could be the difference between life and death.”
As for Alyssa, she hopes her viral video serves as a wake-up call. “If seeing my kids almost get hit makes one person slow down tomorrow,” she said tearfully, “then maybe something good can come out of this.”
Parents across Orlando — and beyond — are echoing her plea: when the lights are flashing, stop. Because no destination is worth a child’s life.
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