“I saw a silver car approaching from the side,” Thompson told a local news outlet, WXYZ News. “Ethan was just about to take his third step down, and all I could think was that he was in serious danger, so I acted fast.”
The incident was captured on the bus’s security camera, and when Ethan’s mother, Sarah Johnson, viewed the footage, she was overwhelmed with emotion. “Tears streamed down my face,” she shared. “If it weren’t for her attentiveness and vigilance, Ethan could have been seriously hurt. It’s shocking that drivers often ignore the obvious signs of a stopped school bus. Its lights are flashing, the stop sign is extended, yet people still speed by.”
Indeed, the law requires vehicles to halt when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Unfortunately, this is frequently disregarded. A 2014 survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services found that over 75,000 drivers illegally pass school buses every day, leading to approximately 13 million violations each school year. Tragically, according to the National School Transportation Association, nine to fifteen children lose their lives annually while boarding or exiting school buses.
The dangers are real, as seen in heartbreaking incidents such as the deaths of three siblings in Indiana in 2018 when they were struck by a vehicle while crossing the street to board their bus. Another child in Mississippi lost their life that same month under similar circumstances. These incidents highlight a persistent issue where drivers ignore the presence of school buses, often resulting in devastating consequences.
Reflecting on the incident, Thompson expressed her relief, saying, “I’m just thankful I could send him back to his mother. I don’t know how I would have coped if anything had happened.” We applaud Lisa Thompson for her heroic actions in saving Ethan and ensuring he returned home safely.
For more about home insemination and tips, you can check out this insightful article on intracervical insemination. Additionally, if you’re seeking expert resources, consider visiting Make A Mom for information on home insemination kits, or explore News Medical for valuable insights on pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, the courageous actions of bus driver Lisa Thompson prevented a potential disaster, emphasizing the importance of vigilance around school buses. As the statistics reveal, the disregard for traffic laws can lead to tragic outcomes, making it imperative for drivers to heed the rules designed to protect children.