Injuries at Matanzas drop-off loop could have been avoided

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Even as parents, we need to follow rules. They are put in place to keep us safe. Matanzas High School set up a parent loop where traffic is directed by staff and also student parking which is to be used by students to drive in, park and go to school.

Every morning I am witness to parents using the student parking lot as their own personal drop-off so they do not have to drive through the parent loop (which moves, by the way, like a well-oiled machine). On Thursday Jan. 17, I was dropping my child off like I do every morning, but that morning, I was hit by a parent or family member using the student parking once again.

I was following the rules and was hit by a van that was exiting student parking. My child was rushed to the hospital, and she has injuries that she is going to have on-going care for. Rules are put in place for a reason to keep our children safe. Any of you who use the wrong drop-off could be putting another family in danger — maybe even a parent or child of someone you know. This could have been avoided.

Please follow the safety regulations given to us by Matanzas High School.

I would also like to thank everyone who helped us. We are forever grateful.

Doreen O’Connor
Palm Coast