Just 90 miles south of Birmingham, Alabama, a kindergartner was struck by a vehicle while waiting for the school bus. The boy was waiting with his brother and sister when he ran out into the road. It was early on a dark and rainy morning when the car accident occurred. The driver of the SUV tried to avoid the boy by swerving and slamming on brakes, but he could not avoid the collision. The boy was killed instantly.

The driver of the SUV admitted consuming alcohol the night before, but the state trooper investigating the accident said he does not believe that contributed to the accident. A blood sample was taken from the driver which is standard in cases with severe injuries or death. No charges will be filed against the driver until the results are received from forensics, said the district attorney.

While walking the scene with a reporter, the mother pointed out areas where she found mementos of her son. There are still signs of the accident, like pieces from the SUV's headlight and chalk marks in the street. The boy's mother said she was always telling him to stay out of the road. The family has built a cross at the site in the boy's memory and to warn others of the dangerous area.

The area of the road where children wait for the school bus is located in a 45 mph zone surrounded by curves. There is an intersection and no signs to warn drivers that there is a bus stop. Even though nothing will bring back the young boy, efforts can be made to make the area safer for the other children who have to stand there and wait for the bus in the mornings.

Source: WAKA, "Exclusive: Family of 5-Year-Old Killed by SUV Speaks," Amanda McKenzie, Jan. 13, 2012