Another reminder that crosswalks are only as safe as the drivers who respect them. A Decatur school crossing guard was struck Friday afternoon while doing their job at South Candler Street and Kirk Road, one of those intersections where kids cross regularly on their way to and from school.
The guard was following proper procedure, walking eastbound with the pedestrian signal, when a driver making a left turn from Kirk Road failed to yield. Police say the guard remained alert and conscious, which is fortunate given how these incidents can go. The driver was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk, which is the bare minimum consequence for putting someone's safety at risk.
This kind of incident highlights how vulnerable pedestrians are, even when they're wearing safety gear and following all the rules. Crossing guards literally put themselves in harm's way to protect kids, and drivers need to be extra cautious around school zones and marked crossings. The fact that this happened during school hours makes it even more concerning.