CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Many parents have expressed concerns about dark bus stops in Southwest Florida.
Now, a Fort Myers company is stepping up to help.
“The problem is, there are thousands of children out there every morning that are in the dark,” said Peter Wahl, the Vice President of Solar Guard LLC.
The company, Solar Guard LLC developed a solar light just for bus stops.
“This is the only bus stop safety light in the nation,” said Wahl.
After the tragedies of Layla Aiken and Alana Tamplin, the company designed a light to help keep kids safe.
“It’s very simple to install. It can be moved from one bus stop to another,” said Wahl.
When kids walk up to the bus stop, they have to press a button. Then, the L.E.D. light turns on for 20 minutes.
There are also flashing lights to warn drivers that kids are around and some neighbors said they like the idea.
“I think it’s great with the time change because it’s so dark right now in the morning,” neighbor Dianne Mars.
“It’s really needed because it’s safer for the kids,” said Linda Kolakowski.
Right now, the city of Cape Coral is testing the light at two bus stops.
Over the next few months, they will do a study and get feedback from kids, parents and drivers.
“We’re hoping that this project can get to the point where we can illuminate bus stops across the state,” said Wahl.
In January, the city will discuss if they want to put the solar light at other bus stops and how it will be paid for.
