The incident, which took place on a Thursday afternoon, was recorded by a doorbell camera. The footage, shared by the Manlius Police Department, highlights a moment of terror turned into a tale of heroism.
As students were disembarking from a Fayetteville-Manlius school bus, a gold or tan Toyota Camry raced around the bus, ignoring its stop sign and almost hitting a student.
The bus driver, identified only as Ms. Debbie, acted swiftly, pulling the girl back to safety by her backpack.
The video captures the sound of the Camry as it clips a mailbox while passing in front of the bus, an action that also startled a woman nearby, who was approaching to pick up students.
Community Praises Heroic Bus Driver
The community's reaction has been a mixture of outrage at the reckless driver and immense gratitude towards Ms. Debbie. Comments flooded the police department's post, with many parents expressing their thanks.
One parent revealed, "
My children were on that bus. Thank god for their bus driver, Miss Debbie. She is always so cautious with the kids. We are so lucky to have her."
The incident sheds light on the broader issue of motorists illegally passing school buses, a problem not unique to Fayetteville but pervasive throughout New York State.
According to state statistics, around 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass school buses daily, posing a significant risk to student safety.
Legal Consequences for Reckless Driving
The legal repercussions for such reckless behavior are severe. In New York, a first offense can result in a fine between $250 and $400 and up to 30 days in jail.
The penalties escalate with each subsequent offense, underscoring the seriousness with which the state treats the safety of its schoolchildren.
This incident also highlights the critical role school bus drivers play in ensuring students' safety. With over 20.5 million elementary and secondary school students riding school buses daily across the United States, the importance of diligent and quick-thinking bus drivers like Ms. Debbie cannot be overstated.
As the Manlius Police Department seeks the driver of the Camry, the community remains thankful for a disaster averted, thanks to the heroism of a dedicated bus driver. Her actions not only saved a young girl from potential harm but also reminded everyone of the everyday heroes who ensure our children's safety.
