As a child crosses the street to get to his or her school, parents shouldn't have to worry about dangerous drivers. Florida motorists should always be safe and looking out for pedestrians, but they should take extra care on the roads near schools. Tragically, Orange City has seen 17 pedestrian accident victims since the start of the school year this past August, all of whom were elementary and high school students. Now, both parents and children are worried for students' safety as they attempt to get to class.

In the most recent accident, a 16-year-old high school student was killed in a car accident on U.S. 17-92 as he crossed the street. Many drivers and parents note the area is extremely dark and it may be harder for drivers to see students crossing the street, but drivers can use their headlights to illuminate dark stretches of road.

After the last and 17th accident, parents demanded something be done. They called an emergency meeting with school officials and members of the city government and law enforcement. One of their demands was to put in street lights to keep the roadway brighter during the early mornings and late evenings.

While street lamps are a valuable safety measure, it is more important that drivers proceed with caution throughout school neighborhoods. Until drivers follow all the normal safety precautions and realize that there may be young children around, the area might still be dangerous for students. The parents' next goal is to make certain stretches of road an official school zone.

Source: 13 News, "After student's death, street lights coming to dangerous Orange City road," Saul Saenz, Feb. 14, 2012