OCALA, Fla. — Nearly a year after her sister was killed while walking to a bus stop, Shanta Norton is turning her grief into an effort to make local roads safer for children and other pedestrians.
Shannon Rushing was killed last October while walking along Northwest Old Blitchton Road.
A year later, Norton says she still sees children walking to the same bus stop in the dark.
She said she is frustrated by how long it can take to make changes that could improve safety for students who walk along busy roads.
Now, Norton is working on an initiative called “Halo Glow,” which focuses on wearable visibility products designed to help children and other pedestrians stand out to drivers.
The products are intended to make pedestrians more visible, particularly in low-light conditions when students are walking to and from bus stops.
For Norton, the effort is personal.
After losing her sister, she wants to help prevent another family from experiencing the same kind of loss.
Her goal is to bring greater attention to pedestrian visibility and provide students with tools that can help them be seen while walking near busy roads.
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