A man is going viral for throwing a head of lettuce at a car speeding through a school zone.

Driving over the speed limit in a school zone is dangerous for all involved. School zones require slower speed for obvious reasons: the safety of children. As kids are still developing sound judgement and react easily to distractions, it’s essential for drivers to move slower to minimize the chance of an accident. 

In a TikTok that’s generated over 24.2 million views as of this writing, Kyle (@mrtechnicaldifficult) chucks the lettuce at a Tesla driver he reportedly clocks going way over the limit in a school zone. 

Speed In A School Zone And You’ll See Lettuce

In the TikTok, Kyle is sitting right beside the school zone speed limit sign with a radar speed gun. These radars measure the speed of moving objects and are often used for measuring car speed. 

Kyle clocks a Tesla driver going 40 miles per hour in the school zone. 

“Got one,” Kyle says. 

Without hesitation, Kyle chucks a head of lettuce at the speeding Tesla. The lettuce hits the driver’s windshield and this prompted the Tesla driver to slam on the brakes. 

The vehicle comes to a stop as Kyle realizes he may be in trouble. “Uh oh,” he says. 

In the extended version, the Tesla driver confronts Kyle for throwing a head of lettuce at his car. 

“Bro seriously,” the Tesla driver squares up.

“You are in a school zone. You were going 40 miles per hour bud,” Kyle replied.

“I’m getting my kids,” the Tesla driver justified.

“Doesn’t matter you are still in a school zone,” Kyle continues.

The Tesla driver with a decal of Donald Trump with American flags on the hood tells Kyle, “Why don’t you get a job.”

Kyle then proceeds to ask the driver, “Do you like salad?” This left the driver confused and moments after the question Kyle launches another head of lettuce at the Tesla. 

The Tesla driver then turns around the car to drive along with Kyle going the wrong direction on the road.  

“What’s the deal? I have kids and I am trying to get to the school. I’m on my way to another school to get my kids,” the Tesla driver doubles down.

“It doesn’t matter,” Kyle argues. 

As the conversation continues, Kyle apologizes to try to diffuse the confrontation. However, while deescalating the situation, Kyle throws one last jab.

“At least it’s just lettuce, I could’ve thrown a rock,” Kyle concludes.

Commenters Chimed In 

Commenters noticed how the Tesla driver deferred to acknowledge that he was in fact speeding in a school zone. 

“That fact his excuse for speeding in a school zone was because he was heading to a different school,” one TikTok commenter added.

“‘I have kids. I’m trying to get to the school,’ Proceeds to sit there. Turn around and talk for another five minutes. Not that big of a rush bud,” one noticed.

“Totally ignoring he was over the speed limit,” one called out.

While commenters noticed the audacity of the Tesla driver, some raised the concern of the dangerous move Kyle pulled off.

“Isn’t throwing things at moving vehicles a more serious crime than speeding?,” one TikTok commenter questioned. 

“I’m not saying what you are doing is wrong but if the person crashes because of you throwing lettuce you will get severely punished for it. Not worth it tbh,” another added. 

“Dangerous game you’re playing,” a third replied.

Why Is Speeding In A School Zone Dangerous?

Speed limits are enforced in school zones because it reduces the likelihood of collisions, severity of impact, and makes child safety a priority, Daniel Stark Injury Lawyer reports. 

When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle at 30 miles per hour, the fatality rate is 45% compared to just 5% when driving 20 miles per hour. 

So when driving, going 10 miles per hour over may not feel significant, but the fatality numbers argue otherwise.

Typically these school zones will post speed limits between 15 and 25 mph to reduce the chances of an accident. When flashing, the speed limit is in effect and this is when children, students, staff, and pedestrians are most active in the area.

It’s important to be mindful and patient during these times so that no accidents occur. This is a serious matter which is why fines are typically higher to ensure child safety, The Zebra shares. Additionally, your insurance company will take notice and may charge you more in the future.

Should Have He Thrown Lettuce At The Tesla?

As the commenters mentioned, throwing a head of lettuce may have not been the best move. This could’ve quickly gone bad if the driver lost control of the car and crashed. While the intent of sending a message to slow down while driving in a school zone was received, it could’ve been much worse.

Kyle told MotorBiscuit, “I plead the fifth,” and declined to provide a statement.