School Bus Safety Concerns Arise As Community Mourns Death Of Bensalem Student
By Tim Jimenez, Jan Carabeo
BENSALEM, Pa. (CBS) - The police investigation continues Thursday into the death of a 16-year-old Bensalem girl, hit by a car while trying to get on her school bus.
As the community continues to cope, grief counselors are available for students at Bensalem High, dealing with the death of sophomore Minete Zeka. Wednesday night, a vigil was held on Bensalem Boulevard near Bridgewater Road, where police say the girl was hit by an SUV Wednesday morning.
School district officials will also be discussing school bus safety issues and whether more can be done to protect students.
One focus is the use of crossing guards. Parents and students feel they need more, especially in light of what just happened.
Despite the bus having its flashing lights on and the stop sign arm out, police say an 18-year-old driver passed the bus and hit Zeka who was crossing the street.
The state says annually more than 1,000 drivers do not hit the brakes when they have to when school buses are stopped.
The school bus stopping law requires stopping when a bus has its lights flashing and stop arm extended as well as staying at least ten feet away and not going until the bus goes and all the children are clear.
Authorities warn of fatal consequences like in Bensalem if the rules aren't obeyed.
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