'Honk for Shianne': Family of girl hit by car at bus stop urges drivers to slow down

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - At the corner of 23rd and Penn Avenue North, family members stood with signs of hope in the face of a tragedy.

"Just to enjoy being out here,” said LaTonya Williams. “Having the cars to honk. It’s making me feel good."

Friday afternoon, Williams and her family held signs, telling drivers to look out for children and slow down. Armed with signs saying, "Honk for Shianne" and "Kids are beautiful, look out for them."

“I just don't want another parent to have to go through what I went through because what I went through last Friday wasn't very nice," said Williams.

Her daughter, 11-year-old Shianne Dean, was hit by a car after getting off a school bus at the very same spot last week. Shianne is still in a medically induced coma after two brain surgeries, but her mother says her health is improving.

“She opened her eyes yesterday,” said Williams. “That's why I'm so happy today because I know she is coming along.”

Investigators say the 60-year-old driver was apparently intoxicated. They are still trying to figure out if the bus' stop arm and flashing lights were deployed at the time. 

Shianne's family says it’s up to drivers to make sure school children are safe when they're crossing street.

"If us being out here today saved even one child from being hit by a speeding driver then, yes very effective," said K.G. Wilson, a community activist.

With every honk and wave, Williams sees a chance to avoid another accident.

“Save our children,” she said. “They are beautiful. Our children are beautiful. Watch out for them.”

A GoFundMe was set up for the girl, which can be found here.