UPS Driver Snaps Photo of Boy Barely Visible While Playing in Leaf Pile as Warning
It’s the time of year when the weather can make the roads even more dangerous. We expect to drive more cautiously in the rain or snow, but what about when that autumn foliage starts to pile up?
A viral photo of a boy playing in a leaf pile in Elkhart, Indiana, has gained quite a bit of attention. And it’s all thanks to UPS driver, Jordan Weaver.
According to WSBT-TV, Weaver was delivering a package in Elkhart when he spotted a leaf pile on the opposite side of the road.
The leaves can be seen piled along the curb in the photo. What’s easy to miss is a little boy’s head, almost invisible among his surroundings.
“I couldn’t believe it at first — my heart completely stopped,” Weaver told WSBT-TV. It just so happened he was delivering a package to the boy’s mother across the street.
With her permission, he took a photo of the recreated moment, hoping to warn others to always be aware of their surroundings.
The original photo taken by Weaver is no longer available on Facebook. Thankfully it’s been shared enough so it is available to show here.
UPS driver takes photo of child obscured in pile of leaves to share important message about safety https://t.co/n5DPAgmcSo pic.twitter.com/XyldeTHErG
— Yahoo News (@YahooNews) November 14, 2018
“He walked across the street to deliver a package to a woman that was leaf blowing in her yard,” Glenn Zaccara, UPS director of corporate media relations, told Yahoo! Lifestyle.
“She took the package and started walking into her home, and Jordan started walking back across the street to his truck.”
It was in that moment when Weaver noticed the boy and realized what could have happened. He could have parked where the boy was playing, easily missing a child playing in the leaves.
Zaccara explained to Yahoo! Lifestyle that UPS drivers everywhere have 15-minute PCMs (Prework Communication Meetings) every day. He wanted to stress the leaf photo was not about shaming this mom’s parenting.
“Safety is our top priority at UPS,” a statement from the company read. “When one of our drivers saw this child in the leaves, it was a chance to help spread the word to always be watchful on the road.”
A good reminder to parents and drivers alike, in the end. “You really have to keep your eyes open,” Weaver warns. “No matter what street you’re on, no matter where you’re at, just have to keep your eyes open.”
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