While we’re thankful the accident Thursday morning in front of Jemison High School did not result in a serious injury, it’s important for us to realize that it very well could have.

A 17-year-old student was struck after the vehicle he was riding in stopped on Highway 31 northbound and the student exited the car in an attempt to cross one lane of traffic and bypass the system that has been set up for school traffic.

The system is there for a reason, and it’s important that everyone adhere to the rules that have been put in place—at JHS and every other school across the county.

Another important factor in the accident is speed. The vehicle that struck the student was able to slow down to a point that, though contact was made, the student was able to return to school later in the day.

It is often said there are no shortcuts in life and this would prove there are no safe shortcuts in dropping our children off to school.