Introduction

In a heartfelt plea for change, the family and friends of 22-year-old Rachel Turner, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a school bus in The Beaches neighborhood, are demanding enhanced safety measures in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The incident, which occurred on October 9, has ignited concerns about the rising fatalities related to school buses and the lack of responsive action from authorities.

Details of the Incident

According to law enforcement reports, Rachel was crossing Kingston Road when a school bus making a left turn onto Kingswood Road struck her around 4 p.m. She was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but sadly succumbed to her injuries three days later. This heart-wrenching loss has shone a spotlight on the urgent need for improved safety protocols, particularly given that Rachel is one of three victims killed by school buses in the region within a five-month period.

Family's Response

Rachel's father, Leon Turner, expressed the family's frustration, stating, "We just don’t want Rachel to be a statistic." He reminisced about his daughter's bright future, highlighting her compassion, talent, intelligence, and creativity, which are now lost to the world.

Echoing his sentiments, Rachel's mother, Susan Turner, emphasized, "This is not just a story for us; this is our daughter. Rachel would have stood up for her community if roles were reversed, demanding justice and safety reforms."

Calls for Safety Reforms

Representing the family, attorney Mike Smitiuch noted that previous federal investigations into school bus safety conducted in 2019 and 2020 yielded several crucial recommendations. Unfortunately, many of these suggestions—including installing sensors similar to those in modern cars, implementing cameras on buses, and introducing automated braking systems—remain unaddressed several years later.

Smitiuch further called for stricter qualifications for school bus drivers. Currently, Ontario allows individuals to operate a school bus at 21 years of age, with a portion of the training enabled to be completed online. Alarmingly, drivers can have up to six demerit points and still be eligible to drive a school bus, a fact that has left many community members stunned.

Community Reactions

The calls for action resonate beyond the Turner family, as they reflect a growing concern among residents about the safety of school transportation for children in the GTA. Legislators and transportation authorities now face mounting pressure to address these issues and ensure that no more families have to endure the heartache of losing a loved one due to preventable circumstances.

Conclusion

As the community mourns Rachel's death, activists and concerned citizens are rallying together, urging for immediate change and greater accountability within the school transportation system. If left unaddressed, these tragedies may continue to unfold, making it imperative for authorities to take the necessary steps to protect our children and uphold their right to safe transportation.