Story Published:
Feb 16, 2010 at 7:50 PM MST
Story Updated:
Feb 17, 2010 at 7:36 PM MST
BILLINGS - It has been nearly 2 years since 7-year-old Sarah Fark of Worden was killed in a school bus crash. Her father has spent the time since her death pushing for what he calls "life-saving legislation."
Randy Fark recalls, "Her nickname was 'Bear' and she got it the day she was born. She wasn't supposed to be here. We almost lost her in pregnancy. She was the bright spot in our lives. It was 7 years of joy."
Just about a mile from Sarah Fark's home in Worden, bus driver Roxanne Shult failed to yield to an oncoming truck hauling gravel. She pulled in front of it and the truck struck the school bus broadside right where Sarah was sitting.
Fark explains, "The impact forced Sarah from her seat and she was ejected." He says he got a call from a friend of his who witnessed the crash. "I was able to make it there in time to say goodbye. She was really cold. She said she wanted her Mommy. I told her to hang on. But she couldn't."
Seven-year-old Sarah Fark died in her father's arms on Highway 312. To this day, Randy Fark remains convinced he can save others from experiencing the pain he's endured. He says part of the grieving process for him has been trying to make something positive happen out of his loss. "I don't think that one child dying is acceptable."
Almost one year after Sarah died, Fark says a bill to mandate seatbelts on new school buses in Montana died in a house committee at the 2009 legislative session. But he's determined to resurrect the measure heading into the 2011 session.
It's an effort Montana Highway Patrol Veteran, Captain Keith Edgell understands but believes will face certain roadblocks. "Based on my experience it is going to face a lot of challenges. We've tried many times to get a primary seatbelt law and it just doesn't go over well in Montana. But when it comes to children, there may be other factors lawmakers are willing to look at." Despite potential obstacles, Fark remains committed to his journey.
"There is not a day that goes by that my wife, myself or my other children don't think about Sarah. It's going to keep happening if something isn't done. Other people are going to have to go through what we've gone through and it's just not worth it."
Though many agree with Fark in theory, there are some heavy hitters that do not support seatbelts on school buses. Namely the federal government and lawmakers increasingly concerned with funding.
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