York County Crossing Guard Injured in Accident
York County, S.C. — A crossing guard’s life has taken a drastic turn after being struck by a vehicle while on duty, marking the second incident of its kind in the area within a year. The incident occurred on the morning of October 15, in front of Catawba Ridge High School, raising concerns about the safety of crossing guards and school zones.
Who is Affected?
The injured crossing guard, Leslie Richardson, is a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed her role in helping children safely navigate the roads. Her lawyer, David Martin, noted that Richardson is known for her caring nature and fondness for engaging with the students she assisted daily.
What Happened?
Richardson was doing her job as a crossing guard when she was hit by a car, suffering from severe injuries that necessitated immediate medical attention. After the accident, she was taken to an intensive care unit where she underwent emergency surgery. Martin stated that while Richardson is now out of the ICU, she faces a significant recovery period, and the long-term effects of her injuries may impact her for the rest of her life.
Previous Incident
The incident that injured Richardson is compounded by a recent tragedy: in March, another crossing guard, Stanley Brucker, was killed while on duty near Fort Mill Elementary and Fort Mill Middle Schools. These events have highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures for crossing guards as they protect schoolchildren.
Call for Change
David Martin, who recently won a seat in the South Carolina State House, aims to advocate for legislative changes that enhance safety for crossing guards and children. Martin expressed his commitment to promoting measures to ensure that both children and guardians can safely cross streets. His personal connection to the incident intensifies his resolve, as one of his daughters attends Catawba Ridge High School and often interacted with Richardson.
Community Support and Future Steps
The community has begun rallying around Richardson as she embarks on her lengthy recovery process. Donations are being organized to aid her rehabilitation efforts and support her family during this challenging time. Martin emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for traffic accidents that endanger lives, especially of those who serve as vital links in ensuring student safety.
Conclusion
In light of these unfortunate incidents involving crossing guards, it is evident that proactive steps must be taken to reassess and revise safety protocols in school zones. The focus must be on protecting both the guardians and the children they serve, ensuring that no more lives are forever changed by preventable accidents.
