A Maryland school van driver was sentenced to 120 days in jail after fatally striking two children in a crosswalk, leading to legal actions and discussions about school zone safety and sentencing laws.
At a Glance
- Incident occurred November 20, 2023, in Riverdale Park, Maryland
- Driver pleaded guilty to traffic violations and received 120 days in jail
- Two child pedestrians, ages 5 and 10, were fatally struck while crossing
- Civil lawsuits filed against driver, school board, and emergency responders
- Local lawmakers propose legislation to increase school zone traffic penalties
Sentencing and Legal Context
On July 31, 2025, Olga Lugo Jiminez was sentenced to 120 days in jail after pleading guilty to traffic violations related to the fatal crash. Originally charged with criminally negligent manslaughter, she entered a plea agreement. Maryland law establishes specific criteria for criminal negligence, which influenced the sentencing outcome. Officials have noted that these guidelines limit the severity of possible sentences unless certain thresholds are met. Comparable cases in other jurisdictions have resulted in similar custodial terms for traffic-related pedestrian deaths.
Watch now: Families sue after driver hits and kills 2 children
Civil Lawsuits and Safety Protocol Concerns
The victims’ families have filed civil suits naming the driver, Prince George’s County Board of Education, and emergency responders. Claims include insufficient crossing guard staffing and response delays on the day of the incident. Riverdale Park is a suburban area with numerous school routes, and officials confirmed the crosswalk lacked a crossing guard at the time. These factors are under review amid broader concerns about school zone safety protocols.
Legislative Proposals and Policy Responses
Local officials have proposed legislation—referred to as “Sky and Shalom’s Law”—aimed at increasing penalties for fatal traffic violations in school zones and requiring enhanced safety measures, including crossing guards and signage. Traffic safety experts emphasize the need for coordinated policy changes that combine enforcement with infrastructure improvements.
Broader Impact on School Safety Practices
School districts and municipalities nationwide are evaluating transportation and pedestrian safety procedures. Liability and risk management considerations are increasingly prominent in light of recent incidents. Public safety organizations stress integrating legal frameworks with physical safety enhancements to improve protection for children in school zones.
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