Reckless drivers hit students at bus stops

AUSTIN, TX - School has started back and so have the reckless drivers, ignoring both crosswalks and bus-arm stop signs, and plowing down students.

The Austin Independent School District released footage of two such incidents after capturing almost a thousand drivers breaking the law on “stop arm bus enforcement cameras” in just the first week of classes. The cameras, installed the previous semester, were meant to catch drivers not yielding to pedestrians or stopping for buses, but authorities were shocked by the number of drivers ignoring the signs.

Thankfully, both students only suffered minor injuries, but the footage is terrifying and could happen at any school bus stop across the country. According to safekids.org, 44 kids are hit while walking every day in the U.S. The CDC recommends always using crosswalks, but since those often go ignored, it’s up to pedestrians of all ages to stay alert.

Never assume a driver can see you. Use the sidewalk, if it’s available, and walk facing traffic so you can see the cars closest to you coming. And finally, put away your phone, which is a huge distraction for pedestrians, too. That’s right, “Don’t text and walk.” Your life could depend on it.