Proctor Bus Driver’s Bright Idea Sparks Big Donation

Students Get 1,800 Safety Key Chains

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A Proctor bus driver with a bright idea is setting a new standard for bus stop safety.

If you live in town, you’ve probably seen an unusual rise in flashing green key chains.

Thanks to a big donation, every student in the Proctor School District has one, and it’s all thanks to a bus driver aiming to keep kids safe.

When students were handed the little green lights, most of them thought it was just a fun toy, but little did they know a simple key chain could end up saving a life.

“Just saving a couple kids would be worth it,” said bus driver, Chris Haugen.

After 20 years behind the wheel, Haugen has learned a thing or two about driving a big yellow bus.

“We drive in all kinds of weather,” said Haugen “You know, foggy up here in Proctor.”

In the dead of winter, 6:00 a.m. can seem like the middle of night, and for the little ones waiting for the bus it might be a bit scary.

“Most of our routes are in the darkness and a little light sure shines a long way,” said Haugen.

The determined bus driver is a problem solver, and he discovered a little light is the solution.

“I wonder if every kid had them on then we wouldn’t have to stop and pick up garbage cans in the morning because they look like kids standing out there in the dark,” Haugen chuckled, while holding a green strobe light key chain.

His simple idea clicked and now every student, K-12, can shine bright in the dark.

“We felt a little more safer because when kids go to the bus the bus drivers can see them better,” said first grader, Olivia Morin-Swanson.

In Proctor, the lights have transformed into a flashy fashion statement on backpacks, jackets and even pets.

“My mom has extras so we clip one to the dog, too so she doesn’t get hurt,” said Proctor fifth grader, Sophia Morin-Swanson.

It’s a blinking light with a million possibilities, and for Tammy Opack having it clipped to her daughter’s backpack is a comfort.

“These kids are sometimes standing in dangerous spots,” said Opack. “If they have these flash lights on the bus driver is able to see where they are, and cars are able to see where they are.”

On a clear night you can see a green flash from a mile away.

For the early risers who are dedicated to safely chauffeuring kids to and from school, a little bling goes a long way.

“Keep shining your little lights in the morning so we can see ya out there,” said Haugen.

He hopes other districts in the area catch on to his bright idea, so all kids in the Northland can feel a little safer waiting for the bus.

The Irving Community Club donated all 1,800 lights to every student at Proctor schools.