PLAINFIELD, WI (WTAQ) – After a Plainfield kindergartener was struck and killed while getting onto the school bus earlier this week, a family friend launched an online petition saying enough is enough.
“We’re really sick of seeing all this stuff about children dying, people not paying attention to stop signs or to buses. And what really hit home was when a really dear friend of mine’s daughter was hit in Plainfield,” says Brandon Lenzo, “We’d just had enough. So we started the petition so we can start getting communities together. We’re just trying to make it safer for the children.”
Lenzo launched the petition after learning about the fatal crash on Monday morning, aiming to get 15,000 signatures. That goal is likely to be reached before the end of the week.
The impact of the crash is reaching further than just those directly involved. The shock surrounding the incident has many families questioning the safety of their children.
“It really negatively impacts communities because then everyone gets really angry about it – and then is petrified that they’re going to get that phonecall next,” Lenzo says, “Once they’re in the hands of them [school bus drivers], they’re safe and do everything they’re supposed to – well it’s not always the bus driver obviously, it’s other people who don’t pay attention.”
The mission behind the petition is to push for laws creating tougher punishment for those who fail to stop or pass buses as kids get off the bus. Lenzo believes there should be a world where the topic isn’t a major issue for the Legislature to have to discuss.
“Obviously it’s not strict enough because people aren’t learning their lesson. I was talking to another guy who was like ‘there have only been nine cases’ – but that’s still nine cases that could have been avoided,” Lenzo says.
So what exactly is Lenzo planning to propose if the petition is accepted?
“Stricter laws, harsher penalties for people that do go by the buses. What I’m shooting for is a loss of license immediately. This is all avoidable,” Lenzo tells WTAQ News, “The fine should be a lot stiffer and if there is an accidental death with it, I think it should be vehicular manslaughter no matter what – because it was an accident that could be prevented.”
He also has a message directly to those in the Legislature who may draft a bill or debate it on the floor.
“Put yourself in the shoes of the parents. How would you feel if you got that phone call? With the power you have, you can stop it,” Lenzo says, “It’s time for re-election. I hate to say it like that, but it’s a good point for them to jump on to help protect the children.”
On Tuesday, a 76-year old man was identified as the driver in the crash but has yet to be arrested or charged. He was reportedly on the shoulder of the road and didn’t stop for the bus – which had its lights and signs operational at the time.
“It was a complete accident. Unfortunately, it could have been avoided, but I do feel bad for the driver. I know a lot of people might be mad about that – but I do, because he’s got to live with this for the rest of his life,” Lenzo says.
As for his support of the family, it goes beyond his friendship and pushes for changes to the law. Lenzo also organized a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral costs and other expenses – and has already brought in over $6,000.
“I’m never going to give them their daughter back, but it’ll ease the cost of everything,” Lenzo says.
