Mackenzie Acker
Staff Writer

High-stress levels, the emergency brake, and colorful language are all in full swing during the morning carline. Packed into the small patch of drop-off territory is an environment of frustration that underclassmen have come to expect. Freshmen, sophomores, and upperclassmen who can’t drive encounter reckless drivers, distracted walkers, and cars trying to weave through the chaos.    

Trying to mediate angry parents and late students is nothing short of nightmare fuel, but every day, our crossing guard navigates this flawed system with practically no help. 

“I get a lot of aggressive drivers,” RJR Crossing Guard Therese Ross said.“Yelling, saying mean things out of the window, all that.”

Dealing with rude and careless drivers seems to just be part of the job for Ross. However, drivers’ frustrations can not only lead to annoying encounters but can seriously compromise her safety.

“Every day I’m afraid to be out there,” Ross said. “I’ve been almost hit twice.”

These safety concerns can have a big effect on Ross. While she is dedicated to the safety of RJR students, her own is frequently more at risk while doing this job.

“On the days I’m too afraid, I just call out, Ross said. “Sometimes anxiety gets the best of you. It’s not for the faint of heart.” 

Ross also navigates this challenge uniquely alone. When she faces these forceful drivers, hurtful remarks, and disrespectful behaviors towards her, she does it without any help. 

Whilst other schools have complex procedures and systems of checks and balances, Ross is out there with herself and a stop sign, that’s it. The inadequate safety measures are enough to scare parents, leaving them questioning if there’s a better way to structure the carline. 

“I think there’s definitely a safety issue,” Caroline Ankerson, an RJR parent who drives through the carline every day, said. “There’s children just running across the street, parents aren’t paying attention, or, you know, a kid just comes out of nowhere.” 

A more intentional carline system could alleviate pressure from Ross and guarantee RJR students are safer. This desperately needed change could happen through various different options. 

“They may need to hire an additional crossing guard.” Ankerson said. “This could help with managing the cars.”

Ross herself has had ideas like this to improve the carline. She expresses how more help could make drivers respect and pay attention to her more.

“There should definitely be a cop or police officer at the carline,” Ross said. “Just so that we are all protected.” 

Adding to the carline could ensure a safer drop-off system for RJR students and Ross. While she works tirelessly to keep our community safe and protected, the least we can do is try to protect her.