A Kansas school social worker died on September 10 while doing what came naturally to her: helping people. Sarah J. McLaughlin-Olson, 44, stopped at a crash on U.S. Highway 75 in Topeka to assist those involved. As she helped, a Ford F-350 pickup towing a horse trailer veered to avoid the stopped vehicles and struck her. The driver of the original crash, Amy Shots, 41, was seriously injured. Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating.
McLaughlin-Olson worked at Pauline South Intermediate School in USD 437, where she was remembered as a valued and beloved member of the school community for many years. Her principal noted that she will be remembered for her giving, positive, and supportive spirit toward students and families. For a school community, losing someone who spent every day looking after kids is a grief that lingers.
For those of us here on the Suncoast, this story hits close to home. We drive I-75, U.S. 41, and the bridges every day, and many of us have pulled over when we saw someone in trouble. The instinct to help is worth keeping. So is a plan: park well off the roadway, turn on your hazards, stay behind the guardrail when possible, and keep your eyes on approaching traffic. How do you stay safe when you stop on the highway? Share your tips in the comments.
