In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, the Keleman family is turning their grief into a powerful movement for change. Their mission, known as “Megan’s Way Out,” is gaining momentum across Ohio, aiming to ensure that no one else ever finds themselves trapped in a dangerous situation with no means of escape.
The Story Behind Megan’s Way Out
The initiative is named in honor of 25-year-old Megan Keleman, who was tragically killed in August 2024 while waiting in a Taco Bell drive-thru in Stow, Ohio. During the incident, Megan was rear-ended by a stranger who then exited his vehicle and attacked her. Because of the drive-thru’s design—enclosed by high curbs and wedged between other cars—Megan had no way to drive away or escape the escalating violence.
What is “Megan’s Way Out”?
The core of this advocacy is a push for legislative change regarding drive-thru safety. The proposed “Megan’s Way Out” law would require all newly constructed or significantly renovated drive-thru facilities to include a bypass lane.
This bypass lane serves two critical purposes:
- Escape: It provides drivers with a way to exit the queue if a situation becomes dangerous or if they experience a medical emergency.
- Access: It allows first responders to reach a vehicle in the middle of a line without being blocked by other cars.
A Good Start but more work is needed.
Megan’s Way Out is already seeing real-world results with some local governments.
- Stow, Ohio: Megan’s hometown was the first to adopt the bypass lane requirement.
- Cuyahoga Falls: Recently followed, with the City Council unanimously approving the safety measure.
- Statewide Action: State Senator Casey Weinstein and State Representative Derrick Hall are working to introduce companion legislation in the Ohio House and Senate to make these safety standards a statewide requirement.
Read the full article at STOHION.com