INDIANAPOLIS — Allen Bailey lives near E. 36th Street & Lasalle Street. Since construction began on 38th street, he says people have turned his neighborhood roads into major thoroughfares.
"They come speeding through here so fast. Many of them don't even stop at the stop signs. It's really dangerous," Bailey said. He believes it has become an even more urgent issue because school is back in session.
RELATED: Data shows more fatal hit and runs taking place in Indianapolis
"I got concerned. I don't have any kids but I use the scripture that says it takes a village to raise one child," Bailey said. "I see the concern of my village, my community, so I have to step in."
For the past three weeks, Bailey has stood at the bus stops closest to his home in a safety vest. Cars whiz by him as he waves with a smile or gestures for them to slow down.
Some of the drivers listen and yell appreciation for what he's doing. Others, however, dismiss it and rev their engines louder than necessary to accelerate away from a stop sign.
"I know the parents are thankful that someone, besides them, is looking out for their kids," Bailey said.
RELATED: Child struck and killed near 21st Street and Post Road in Indianapolis
Over the last year, WRTV has reported on several deadly crashes where children have been hit at or near their bus stops. Whether it's carelessness, being distracted or a disregard for the rules of the road, they all ended with the death of a child. Bailey is hoping to prevent that from happening in his community.
"If I can slow the traffic down for the kids in my community, this is my job from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m," Bailey said.
What Bailey is doing does come with risks.
"I've been threatened about six times, people talking about I'm going to shoot you or move your "A" out of the way," Bailey said. "All because I took one second or minute out of their day to get them to slow down."
Bailey believes those risks are worth it if he can make drivers aware of how important it is to drive carefully in his neighborhood
"When we make a decision to do something, there is a ripple effect and if you don't do it the right way, you will cause harm or effect to some other life unnecessarily," Bailey said.
-
Caitlin Clark scores career-high 35, Kelsey Mitchell adds 30 as Fever beat Wings
Indiana (20-19), which was coming off back-to-back losses to the two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, clinched the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, which begin next Sunday.Richardson's inexperience shows as he throws 3 INTs in Colts' loss to Packers
Richardson went 17 of 34 for 204 yards with one touchdown pass to go along with the three INTs. He rushed for 37 yards on four carries.Pedestrian struck, critically injured by IMPD officer’s patrol car
IMPD says the pedestrian was crossing the street on Michigan Road when the officer turned out of a parking lot and struck him with his marked patrol car.Saraga International Grocery celebrates 30 years at westside location
The grocery store, known as the hub for global groceries in Indianapolis, says the celebration reflect the cultural richness Saraga has brought to the city.