Student hit by school bus at Seminole Ridge HS identified

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. - Questions are being raised after a Seminole Ridge High student was hit by a bus on his way to class.

Ryan Garcia is still in fair condition at St.Mary's Medical Center.

The 17 year old student was walking across Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident.

The school bus, which was driven by Johnny Burroughs Sr., was stopped at a signal facing east and attempting to make a left turn on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Burroughs did not see Garcia.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office says that lighting, the victim's dark clothing and fog in the area at the time of the crash are all considered contributing factors.

Garcia's use of the pedestrian crossing signal was undetermined.

Some call the stretch of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee a speedway for drivers.

"They need to work on getting these drivers to slow down during school hours," says parent Shannon Reynolds.

Records show there have been 20 accidents in the vicinity of the school since the beginning of 2009.

"It is just really unfortunate," says student William Saunders.

Palm Beach County school officials say there are no school zones at high schools only at elementary and some middle schools.

Only two high schools, Boca High and Wellington High, have school zones and they implemented those on their own. 

Some parents are voicing their concerns about this area by commenting on the WPTV Facebook page . Karen Mills contacted FDOT to request a study, in hopes that the state will put a school speed zone there. Mills says parents who want to help her out can call 1-954-777-4078 and ask for Jacqueline Thomas.