In a heart-stopping moment, a courageous school bus driver intervened to save a young boy from a potentially deadly situation. Every few months, we come across heartbreaking reports of vehicles ignoring traffic laws and endangering the lives of children near school buses. While these alarming incidents continue to plague our roads, one bus driver’s quick thinking made a significant difference.
On May 9, 2019, in Binghamton, New York, driver Lisa Johnson spotted 13-year-old Jake Thompson stepping off the bus, just as a speeding car approached. Without hesitation, Johnson grabbed the back of Jake’s shirt and yanked him back to safety. “I saw a silver car coming up fast, and all I could think was, ‘Jake is in danger,’” she shared with local news outlet WXYZ. “I just reacted.”
The dramatic moment was captured on the bus’s security cameras, leaving Jake’s mother, Sarah Martinez, in tears when she viewed the footage. “I was overwhelmed with emotion. If Lisa hadn’t been so alert and looking behind her, I can’t imagine what could have happened,” she said. “The bus is big and bright yellow, with its lights flashing and doors open. Drivers are expected to stop, but sadly, many don’t.”
Indeed, Sarah’s concern is justified. Traffic laws dictate that vehicles must halt for school buses displaying flashing red lights, yet violations are rampant. A 2014 survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services revealed that over 75,000 drivers illegally pass school buses each day. This amounts to a staggering 13 million violations every school year. Tragically, the average annual toll includes nine to 15 children who lose their lives while getting on or off buses, as noted by the National School Transportation Association.
The statistics reveal a troubling trend, with several recent incidents highlighting this issue. In October 2018, three siblings in Indiana lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street to board their bus. In Mississippi, a child was killed that same month under similar circumstances. Moreover, a 7-year-old boy in Pennsylvania was fatally hit while waiting at his bus stop.
Reflecting on the harrowing incident, Johnson remarked, “I’m just grateful I could send Jake home to his mom. The thought of not being able to do that is unbearable.”
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Lisa Johnson for her bravery in saving 13-year-old Jake and preventing him from becoming yet another statistic. For more about navigating the world of parenthood, check out our guide on at-home insemination kits, where you can find valuable resources on getting started with home insemination.
In summary, a dedicated bus driver’s quick response averted a tragedy, underscoring the importance of adhering to traffic laws around school buses. With alarming statistics on child safety and school buses, it’s essential for drivers to remain vigilant and considerate of young pedestrians. For those interested in pregnancy resources, the CDC provides excellent insight into fertility and related topics.
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