ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – With the time change this past weekend, that means darker mornings and more sunlight during the day.
And while some may enjoy spring forward, it’s also a reminder for students and drivers to be on alert.
“You want to take little precautions. Stay out of the roadway, be where you’re supposed to be on your school bus stops, sidewalks were made for you, hangout on them,” Trooper Steven Montiero said.
Orange County Public Schools also sent out this message over the weekend to families to remind them about the time change:
“It is darker in the morning as students wait for the bus, walk or ride to school. Please talk to your children about staying safe at the bus stop and while walking or riding their bike”
News 6′s Ezzy Castro and Trooper Steve met near West Oaks Elementary off W. Colonial Drive Monday where they noticed young pedestrians waiting for the school bus during the early morning hours.
“This is not just about school zones, this is about residential neighborhoods, those corners that lead to the exit of communities, it’s going to be dark in the morning. You’re not just looking for the flashing yellow light because kids have to get picked up from somewhere,” Montiero said.
Despite dark mornings, Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have been trying to make daylight saving time permanent with the Sunshine Protection Act, claiming it would reduce car crashes and crashes involving pedestrians.
In March 2022, the Senate unanimously passed the bill sending it to the U.S. House for action but failed to get a vote.
“It’s time to lock the clock. Floridians are sick of changing their clocks because we all want more sunshine. It’s time for Congress to act,” Scott said.
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