A Georgia mother said her young daughter was found walking alone along a highway after being dropped off at the wrong school bus stop, raising concerns about student transportation safety, reported WCTV News.
According to the news report, the incident occurred in Terrell County, where a kindergartner was supposed to be dropped off at her usual stop, where her grandfather picks her up. Instead, the 6-year-old was let off about a half mile away near a trailer park along U.S. Highway 520.
A deputy reportedly responded after receiving reports of a child walking along the busy highway carrying a backpack. A Georgia State Patrol trooper and a nearby resident later located the student. Officials confirmed the child attends Cooper-Carver Elementary School.
The child’s mother Kiara Jones said via the article that her daughter was “crying and shaking” after the incident and had tried to alert the bus driver that she was at the wrong stop when she did not see her grandfather.
School officials responded immediately after learning about the situation, providing direct support to the student and her family. The district reportedly stated that the bus driver involved has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
No injuries were reported, but the situation could have been dangerous given the traffic along the highway.
The incident has prompted renewed concern about student drop-off procedures and supervision, particularly for younger children who may not be able to navigate unfamiliar areas safely.
Officials said they are working to determine how the error occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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