Local Man Tries To Stop “Accident Waiting To Happen” At Amish School

A non-Amish man sees a tragedy waiting to unfold in his Wisconsin community – and is trying to prevent it.

As reported at WKOW, Jim Kostohrys says this “blind curve” & hill – right before drivers reach an Amish school – are a potentially deadly combo.

Have a look. Just past it, dozens of Amish children walk to, or get dropped off at school each day:

Image: WKOW/YouTube

Kostohrys is a former police officer. Given that experience in particular, I think knows what he is talking about. I would certainly trust his eye on this.

Besides that, just looking at the image, it’s pretty obvious that’s a potentially dangerous road feature.

So Kostohrys has been advocating for local transportation authorities to put in school warning signs, to make drivers aware.

“I’ve seen that road get busier and busier and busier, and people are driving more recklessly,” he says. But with no luck.

amish school sign kentucky
School warning sign in a Kentucky Amish community

It’s not really explained why nothing has been done, however.

This strikes me as odd because in other communities it’s pretty common to have school warning signs in the general area of Amish schools – just like municipalities have them for public schools.

Not only that, as the report explains, in Wisconsin it is state law to have such signs.

Seeking answers, the reporter reaches out to a county supervisor in the video below. But she does not get in touch with anyone, nor a return call by the time this report came out.

Take matters into your own hands?

The other thing that I considered is, have they thought about putting up their own signs? We have seen this sort of effort before.

However I think there are a few issues to consider:

  • One is that using an official warning sign is likely a better choice, given that drivers are familiar with them and more quickly register their meaning (at least in theory).
  • Another issue is the permissibility or legality of putting up your own signs. I don’t know the situation on that here.
  • And finally, a proper DOT sign is going to stand up over time, whereas a homemade one might not.
Homemade signs made by a concerned resident in an Ohio community. Photo: Sara Crawford

Kostohrys may have tried to do so, but it’s not noted in the report. And as a former official of the law, I’m sure he wants to get this done through the proper channels.

The Amish share their appreciation

WKOW also reports that a local Amish “Elder” (probably meaning a Bishop or Minister) has even written a letter of appreciation – and support for the idea of school safety signs. Here’s the text:

“We as a community are very grateful for the concern and support of our outside neighbors and friends living around us. We fully support the idea of school signs for our 1-room school houses out in the country. For our safety and also people driving down the road. Let us live together in a respectful way.”

Image: WKOW/YouTube

Good effort by Jim Kostohrys, and as we see here, his local Amish neighbors certainly appreciate it.

I also have to mention that as commendable as the effort is, as Kostohrys notes, driver behavior has gotten worse.

And having a sign or light doesn’t prevent stupid or reckless drivers from doing what they do (as we’ve seen in other cases).

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth putting up the signs, though.

And as noted in the letter, it’s not only for the benefit of the Amish. No driver wants to hit an Amish adult or child on the road, or have an accident attempting to avoid that.

“It’s a particularly tough curve area. It’s blind,” says Kostohrys. “And there’s gonna be an accident there someday. And I can’t live without doing something about it.”

So will the powers-that-be get on the ball, and get some appropriate signs up – as the law requires?

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9 Comments

  1. Deb B.

    Just wondering...

    I certainly hope the signs are put up, and soon. And, I commend Mr. Kostohrys.
    However, I can’t help but wonder why the school was build in such a hazardous location!
    It sounds like the Amish community should definitely consider moving it.

    1. Erik Wesner

      That question crossed my mind too. It’s a large community of around 1,400 people, so you would think they’d have a few options of where to put it in the area. But, of course I have only limited info.

  2. Kim Pulliam

    Blind Spot at Amish School

    I think what Mr. Jim is trying to do is wonderful. I am glad that the Amish are in support of his efforts. Many people don’t think it will happen to them, their child, or their family. But if you work in Law Enforcement, EMS, Fire Dept, Or Medical field you see the horrors of what could happen, that have happened.
    It is a shame that the county nor the State are concerned. Signs need to be posted to alert drivers of children being near the roadway walking to/from school. These same officials that are not concerned now will be among the first to get in front of a camera and microphone to express their sympathies when a tragedy occurs.
    I live in NC and see daily how aggressive drivers are. Be it speed, not paying attention to whats in front, or beside of them, phones and the list goes on. Today we are a society that is always in a hurry. We often think only of ourselves, and not of others as we try to get to our destination as quickly as our vehicles allow. It is truly scary to be out on the roads now.

    1. Leana

      Safety

      Precisely!
      I totally agree, and the aggression is getting worse everywhere, not only on the roads in all parts of the country. It’s bad enough to make one want to move in with the Amish. But there are various obstacles as well.

  3. Leana

    Worth it

    I wish more were like that guy. I suggest he takes it to the authorities in a pressing way and look up the laws and read it to them.

  4. Jerry

    School Zone Speed Limits

    Why would the State not enforce a School Zone Speed Limit policy here like it does in public and Catholic School building areas? We have flashing lights, signs and cops during arrival and dismissal time frames at all schools here.

  5. Walter Boomsma

    Maybe the best news...

    I think the last line of the letter is the best part of this story. “Let us live together in a respectful way.” This story is an example of an attempt to do just that.

    That a contribution to the kids’ safety is proving difficult might be a different story. It might be a little jaded to suggest that the answer might be to find a politician who recognizes an opportunity to score some points with the voters, starting with what level of government is responsible–is this a county or state road? If there’s an applicable state law, contact the state representative or senator’s office. They can often wade through the bureaucracy and light a fire under someone who is ultimately responsible.

    Moving the building isn’t practical. Depending on the age of the school it may not have been so hazardous at the time. And I agree that drivers’ skill and attention is NOT improving.

  6. John

    Why wait?

    If the governing officials won’t take any action, why not make your own signs and post them? Why wait until a sign becomes more of a memorial than a warning? Take care of it yourself now if necessary.

  7. Kal

    Puzzling

    It seems odd the state/ county is dragging its collective feet! I’ve seen many school signs near Amish schools in other states.