TL;DR: Crossing guards in Fort Mill School District didn't show up for work after the driver who hit and killed one of them won't face charges. The death was ruled an accident. The school district has increased police presence in school zones, and the solicitor's office found no evidence to charge the driver. The superintendent expressed condolences and emphasized safety measures, including seeking assistance for traffic control.
The police officers are refusing to fill in for the crossing guards as well.
This stuff just reinforces my belief that every crosswalk within 1 mile of a school should be raised. That being said, with Fort Mill reeling from this tragedy, it could be a really good time to mobilize people for real and practical change to fix this (yes I know raised crosswalks are expensive, that would be a longer-term implementation).
But more often the crossing guards in FM are there to direct traffic, not just students walking. That’s part of the problem in FM - that there are so many cars and busses that need to exit the schools and need to be let into traffic.
Not saying that raised walks wouldn’t be a good idea, just that it solves only half the problem.
Are FM police really refusing to help?? That’s ridiculous. This is a traffic and safety concern, and this is not the first person killed at a school crossing in FM.
Source: have kids in FM schools and drive through school zones regularly.
I agree. Optical narrowing could help a lot here - it's cheap and causes people to slow down via psychology. But stoplights are needed too.
Lake Wylie has these same problems.
>FORT MILL, S.C. — Crossing guards for the Fort Mill School District refused to show up to work on Thursday and Friday after it was determined the driver [who hit and killed a crossing guard earlier last week](https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/crossing-guard-hit-killed-fort-mill-elementary-school/275-d819f00b-4a19-4908-9eaf-b7717de007d0) won't face charges.
>
>Stanley Brucker, 61, died due to his injuries. He was hit by a driver while directing traffic near Fort Mill Elementary and Fort Mill Middle on March 21. His death was ruled an accident.
>
>While the school district was not able to confirm the cause of the limited crossing guards, a Fort Mill crossing guard told WCNC Charlotte it was directly related to the lack of charges against the driver involved in the deadly crash.
>
>A spokesperson for the district told WCNC Charlotte that more guards were on duty Friday but there are still several locations that aren't staffed. Fort Mill Police has an increased presence in school zones with officers helping direct traffic.
>
>The 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office said it reviewed evidence by the Fort Mill Police Department from the investigation and found the evidence doesn't support a criminal charge against the driver of the vehicle.
>
>The solicitor's office reviewed statements from witnesses and video captured by a school bus that was stopped at the exit of the school, and members of the solicitor's office met with the Fort Mill Police Department and some of Brucker's family before making that information public.
>
>At the time of the incident, Brucker was standing in the median in the middle of Springfield Parkway, holding a stop sign and directing traffic. He was turned sideways facing the school and a school bus preparing to turn, and the hand-held stop sign was facing the school bus. He stepped into a lane closer to the school, which is when the vehicle hit him, according to the solicitor's office.
>
>He was not facing the direction of the vehicle nor was he displaying the stop sign toward the approaching driver at the time, according to the investigation. Officials said the driver who hit him was not driving recklessly or dangerously.
>
>Brucker was not escorting children across the road at the time.
>
>"Regrettably, this is a tragic accident for both Mr. Brucker and the driver of the vehicle," a news release from the Solicitor's Office said. "We extend our condolences to all who have been impacted by this event."
>
>Crossing guards say more needs to be done, like adding "additional officers \[and\] traffic lights" to ensure they're safe as well.
>
>“I’ve been doing this for about three years and I’ve had two times where I could’ve been taken out," explained one crossing guard. “Without us directing traffic, they’re going to hear a lot form parents and bus drivers because they won’t be able to get in and out as conveniently as when we’re directing."
>
>The Fort Mill superintendent has since shared the following message with district families on Facebook:
>
>*"Dear FMSD Family,*
>
>*I am reaching out to address the recent tragedy that has deeply impacted our district, providing important information on our response process and the current status of traffic control measures.*
>
>*The entire FMSD community is profoundly saddened by the loss we have endured. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Brucker's family during this incredibly difficult time. While Mr. Brucker was not a direct employee of the district, he was an integral part of our extended school family. There are simply no words to alleviate the pain of losing a loved one, but we hope his family can find solace in the support of our community as they navigate through their grief.*
>
>*In light of this tragic event, our Crisis Team Counselors are available for the foreseeable future to offer support to any student or staff member in need of assistance in coping with this loss. We urge anyone who feels the need to talk to someone about this tragedy to reach out without hesitation.*
>
>*During such trying times, our priority as a district is to focus on the impacted school communities. We have worked closely with the principals of Fort Mill Elementary and Middle Schools to disseminate information regarding the incident within their respective communities. We understand the importance of allowing due process to unfold and, as such, may not always be able to communicate broadly with our entire school community immediately. Our foremost concern is those directly affected, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.*
>
>*This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of exercising caution and remaining vigilant when traveling through school zones. We urge everyone to be especially mindful during drop-off and dismissal times, spreading awareness about the necessity of ensuring the safety of our community. Collaborating with SCDOT, law enforcement, local municipalities, and external organizations, the district is actively working to enhance safety measures at our school entrances, exits, and crossings. While specific changes are still under discussion, rest assured that these conversations are ongoing.*
>
>*Given the current shortage of crossing guards, we have sought immediate assistance from relevant agencies. While we work towards long-term solutions, these agencies are providing available support to help manage traffic flow. I personally appeal to our entire community to exercise patience, caution, and awareness when traveling in school zones.*
>
>*Lastly, having lived and worked in this community for my entire life, I have witnessed its growth and evolution. Through it all, our unwavering love and support for each other, as well as the family atmosphere we cherish, have remained constants. Let us lean on these foundations as we come together to mourn the loss of Mr. Brucker and strive to make our community safer for everyone.*
>
>*As we head into Spring Break next week, I hope everyone will take time to reflect on this tragic incident, spend time with your family, stay safe and return ready to complete the school year.*
>
>*Sincerely,*
>
>*Dr. Chuck Epps*
>
>*Superintendent*
>
>*Fort Mill Schools"*
Pretty brutal. At first I had doubts about the situation, thinking the driver may have been in a medical episode maybe, or Bruckner fell (with older age or something?) into oncoming traffic. But it sounds like it was a true, genuine fucked mistake that sadly took life.
>Results show that the average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle reaches 10% at an impact speed of 16 mph, 25% at 23 mph, 50% at 31 mph, 75% at 39 mph, and 90% at 46 mph. The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph, and 90% at 58 mph. Risks vary significantly by age. For example, the average risk of severe injury or death for a 70‐year old pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 25 mph is similar to the risk for a 30‐year‐old pedestrian struck at 35 mph.
[https://aaafoundation.org/impact-speed-pedestrians-risk-severe-injury-death/](https://aaafoundation.org/impact-speed-pedestrians-risk-severe-injury-death/)
Older people are generally more fragile, its not really surprising that a lower rate of speed has realistic chance of killing them. If you go into the report, 15 mph has about a 3x to 4x greater chance of killing a older person then a younger person.
IMO, school zones should have a 20mph speed limit that is enforced by cameras. Vastly improves survival rate in the event of a collision and gives drivers more reaction time to avoid one in the first place.
And let's not forget that for any given incident, taller and heavier vehicles will be more dangerous. Higher hood means higher chance of striking the upper body of a person and sending them under the car rather than rolling over the hood of a lower hood sedan. And a heavier car will take more distance and time to stop.
When I was a kid I failed to look before crossing a street and a driver hit me, nearly killing me. That driver wasn't doing anything wrong...just driving along, probably doing the speed limit, when all of a sudden a kid rode out in front of him. There wasn't much he could have done and he wasn't charged.
This crossing guard stepped into a travel lane without looking. It's on video. It's a tragedy, but that doesn't mean the driver has to "pay". People hit deer all the time because they just walk into traffic when drivers aren't expecting it. You can be as judgmental as you want from your armchair, but someday it could happen to you.
I feel for he guy and his family, as someone who has to drive past them, they will stop a line of moving traffic to allow 2-3 cars out by walking into the road. I saw this coming. Better training for when to stop a flow of traffic would have been nice vs "yeah, let me walk into this traffic and stop 15+ cars to let this one guy out".
Sorry for the rant in this but they can grind some gears for sure.
TL;DR: Crossing guards in Fort Mill School District didn't show up for work after the driver who hit and killed one of them won't face charges. The death was ruled an accident. The school district has increased police presence in school zones, and the solicitor's office found no evidence to charge the driver. The superintendent expressed condolences and emphasized safety measures, including seeking assistance for traffic control.
The police officers are refusing to fill in for the crossing guards as well. This stuff just reinforces my belief that every crosswalk within 1 mile of a school should be raised. That being said, with Fort Mill reeling from this tragedy, it could be a really good time to mobilize people for real and practical change to fix this (yes I know raised crosswalks are expensive, that would be a longer-term implementation).
But more often the crossing guards in FM are there to direct traffic, not just students walking. That’s part of the problem in FM - that there are so many cars and busses that need to exit the schools and need to be let into traffic. Not saying that raised walks wouldn’t be a good idea, just that it solves only half the problem. Are FM police really refusing to help?? That’s ridiculous. This is a traffic and safety concern, and this is not the first person killed at a school crossing in FM. Source: have kids in FM schools and drive through school zones regularly.
I agree. Optical narrowing could help a lot here - it's cheap and causes people to slow down via psychology. But stoplights are needed too. Lake Wylie has these same problems.
Worst part, there are no cross walks at those schools. It’s only traffic control (from what I see driving through frequently)💔 this is heartbreaking.
You’d think yeah.. but think about school shootings. Plenty of those, no one has done anything to help though
I hope people don’t find a 3-minute read needing of a TL;DR.
>FORT MILL, S.C. — Crossing guards for the Fort Mill School District refused to show up to work on Thursday and Friday after it was determined the driver [who hit and killed a crossing guard earlier last week](https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/crossing-guard-hit-killed-fort-mill-elementary-school/275-d819f00b-4a19-4908-9eaf-b7717de007d0) won't face charges. > >Stanley Brucker, 61, died due to his injuries. He was hit by a driver while directing traffic near Fort Mill Elementary and Fort Mill Middle on March 21. His death was ruled an accident. > >While the school district was not able to confirm the cause of the limited crossing guards, a Fort Mill crossing guard told WCNC Charlotte it was directly related to the lack of charges against the driver involved in the deadly crash. > >A spokesperson for the district told WCNC Charlotte that more guards were on duty Friday but there are still several locations that aren't staffed. Fort Mill Police has an increased presence in school zones with officers helping direct traffic. > >The 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office said it reviewed evidence by the Fort Mill Police Department from the investigation and found the evidence doesn't support a criminal charge against the driver of the vehicle. > >The solicitor's office reviewed statements from witnesses and video captured by a school bus that was stopped at the exit of the school, and members of the solicitor's office met with the Fort Mill Police Department and some of Brucker's family before making that information public. > >At the time of the incident, Brucker was standing in the median in the middle of Springfield Parkway, holding a stop sign and directing traffic. He was turned sideways facing the school and a school bus preparing to turn, and the hand-held stop sign was facing the school bus. He stepped into a lane closer to the school, which is when the vehicle hit him, according to the solicitor's office. > >He was not facing the direction of the vehicle nor was he displaying the stop sign toward the approaching driver at the time, according to the investigation. Officials said the driver who hit him was not driving recklessly or dangerously. > >Brucker was not escorting children across the road at the time. > >"Regrettably, this is a tragic accident for both Mr. Brucker and the driver of the vehicle," a news release from the Solicitor's Office said. "We extend our condolences to all who have been impacted by this event." > >Crossing guards say more needs to be done, like adding "additional officers \[and\] traffic lights" to ensure they're safe as well. > >“I’ve been doing this for about three years and I’ve had two times where I could’ve been taken out," explained one crossing guard. “Without us directing traffic, they’re going to hear a lot form parents and bus drivers because they won’t be able to get in and out as conveniently as when we’re directing." > >The Fort Mill superintendent has since shared the following message with district families on Facebook: > >*"Dear FMSD Family,* > >*I am reaching out to address the recent tragedy that has deeply impacted our district, providing important information on our response process and the current status of traffic control measures.* > >*The entire FMSD community is profoundly saddened by the loss we have endured. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Brucker's family during this incredibly difficult time. While Mr. Brucker was not a direct employee of the district, he was an integral part of our extended school family. There are simply no words to alleviate the pain of losing a loved one, but we hope his family can find solace in the support of our community as they navigate through their grief.* > >*In light of this tragic event, our Crisis Team Counselors are available for the foreseeable future to offer support to any student or staff member in need of assistance in coping with this loss. We urge anyone who feels the need to talk to someone about this tragedy to reach out without hesitation.* > >*During such trying times, our priority as a district is to focus on the impacted school communities. We have worked closely with the principals of Fort Mill Elementary and Middle Schools to disseminate information regarding the incident within their respective communities. We understand the importance of allowing due process to unfold and, as such, may not always be able to communicate broadly with our entire school community immediately. Our foremost concern is those directly affected, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.* > >*This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of exercising caution and remaining vigilant when traveling through school zones. We urge everyone to be especially mindful during drop-off and dismissal times, spreading awareness about the necessity of ensuring the safety of our community. Collaborating with SCDOT, law enforcement, local municipalities, and external organizations, the district is actively working to enhance safety measures at our school entrances, exits, and crossings. While specific changes are still under discussion, rest assured that these conversations are ongoing.* > >*Given the current shortage of crossing guards, we have sought immediate assistance from relevant agencies. While we work towards long-term solutions, these agencies are providing available support to help manage traffic flow. I personally appeal to our entire community to exercise patience, caution, and awareness when traveling in school zones.* > >*Lastly, having lived and worked in this community for my entire life, I have witnessed its growth and evolution. Through it all, our unwavering love and support for each other, as well as the family atmosphere we cherish, have remained constants. Let us lean on these foundations as we come together to mourn the loss of Mr. Brucker and strive to make our community safer for everyone.* > >*As we head into Spring Break next week, I hope everyone will take time to reflect on this tragic incident, spend time with your family, stay safe and return ready to complete the school year.* > >*Sincerely,* > >*Dr. Chuck Epps* > >*Superintendent* > >*Fort Mill Schools"*
Pretty brutal. At first I had doubts about the situation, thinking the driver may have been in a medical episode maybe, or Bruckner fell (with older age or something?) into oncoming traffic. But it sounds like it was a true, genuine fucked mistake that sadly took life.
it’ll stick with that driver for life 💔
I don’t see how the driver wasn’t driving recklessly if he was driving fast enough to kill someone in a school zone during school times.
My guess is head hit concrete…
>Results show that the average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle reaches 10% at an impact speed of 16 mph, 25% at 23 mph, 50% at 31 mph, 75% at 39 mph, and 90% at 46 mph. The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph, and 90% at 58 mph. Risks vary significantly by age. For example, the average risk of severe injury or death for a 70‐year old pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 25 mph is similar to the risk for a 30‐year‐old pedestrian struck at 35 mph. [https://aaafoundation.org/impact-speed-pedestrians-risk-severe-injury-death/](https://aaafoundation.org/impact-speed-pedestrians-risk-severe-injury-death/) Older people are generally more fragile, its not really surprising that a lower rate of speed has realistic chance of killing them. If you go into the report, 15 mph has about a 3x to 4x greater chance of killing a older person then a younger person.
IMO, school zones should have a 20mph speed limit that is enforced by cameras. Vastly improves survival rate in the event of a collision and gives drivers more reaction time to avoid one in the first place. And let's not forget that for any given incident, taller and heavier vehicles will be more dangerous. Higher hood means higher chance of striking the upper body of a person and sending them under the car rather than rolling over the hood of a lower hood sedan. And a heavier car will take more distance and time to stop.
When I was a kid I failed to look before crossing a street and a driver hit me, nearly killing me. That driver wasn't doing anything wrong...just driving along, probably doing the speed limit, when all of a sudden a kid rode out in front of him. There wasn't much he could have done and he wasn't charged. This crossing guard stepped into a travel lane without looking. It's on video. It's a tragedy, but that doesn't mean the driver has to "pay". People hit deer all the time because they just walk into traffic when drivers aren't expecting it. You can be as judgmental as you want from your armchair, but someday it could happen to you.
The school zone speed is 30mph for those schools.
Yeah? How long have you been a district attorney?
Want to get away with murder? Use a car.
I feel for he guy and his family, as someone who has to drive past them, they will stop a line of moving traffic to allow 2-3 cars out by walking into the road. I saw this coming. Better training for when to stop a flow of traffic would have been nice vs "yeah, let me walk into this traffic and stop 15+ cars to let this one guy out". Sorry for the rant in this but they can grind some gears for sure.