In the United States, an average of 136 people are killed in school vehicle-related accidents annually. This statistic includes children getting in and out school buses.
The number may not seem high to some, considering about 26 million elementary and secondary school students ride the bus to and from school daily, but there are families who are left mourning a child every year.
In many of the states, there are laws put in place to protect students who take the bus, but many motorists often violate them.
Frustrated parents, bus drivers, and school districts often speak out about the issue of passing stopped school buses, but in some places, their cries fell on deaf ears.
Now, some of them have taken matters into their own hands, instead of waiting for the law to come up with a different solution.
One school district has recently authorized their drivers to position their vehicles in a way that will protect the children from cars that illegally pass the bus.
The video of the maneuver was posted by a parent on Facebook and it has amassed more than 1.8 million views and over 30,000 shares in just two weeks.
"With all the school bus accidents recently, I'd like to thank my bus driver and school district with coming up with a safe and common sense solution to minimize the danger of my children getting on the bus," John R. Roleau, who shared the video, wrote in the caption.
With all the school bus accidents recently, I'd like to thank my bus driver and school district with coming up with a safe and common sense solution to minimize the danger of my children getting on the bus. This is not fail proof, however you may notice a large yellow vehicle parked across your lane better than a flashing stop sign. PLEASE be cautious and patient when you see a school bus, these are kids?? No meeting, reservation or class is worth ruining lives forever....
Posted by John R. Roleau on Friday, November 2, 2018
Roleau clarified that he understands this tactic "is not fail proof," but drivers would notice "a large yellow vehicle parked across your lane better than a flashing stop sign."
He added some words of caution, asking people to be "PLEASE be cautious and patient when you see a school bus, these are kids?? No meeting, reservation or class is worth ruining lives forever..."
Many parents thought this solution is very smart, however, there were a few mothers and fathers who questioned if a bus taking up the entire road was even legal.
Still, some argued that it's better for the bus driver to be ticketed than for a child to be struck by a car. At least for now, parents like Roleau can have peace of mind knowing their children aren't at risk.