School bus driver grabs student before he could be hit by illegally passing car

A school student could have been hit by a car that illegally passed a stopped school bus, but luckily a fast-acting bus driver saved the boy’s life.

Samantha Call grabbed the student, identified only as Matthew, as he was about to step off her bus on April 26.

"If I hadn't grabbed him, that car would have gotten him instantly. You can see in the video where he steps the car's tires were there," Call told WSYR.

A camera recorded what happened and the Norwich City School District posted the video to its Facebook page.

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The six-year veteran bus driver said that she constantly checks her mirrors when dropping off students, WSYR reported. Despite the red stop lights flashing, many cars still pass her bus while students are getting off the bus.

Even if someone would identify the car’s driver thanks to the cameras installed on Call’s bus, he or she may not face any charges for passing a stopped bus.

In New York, officers have to personally see someone pass a bus to be permitted to issue a ticket, WSYR reported.

As for the student's close call, Call has been in touch with his mother, who said she is grateful for Call saving her son's life, WSYR reported.

The state legislature recently agreed to language for a new bill that would permit cameras on buses specifically to catch drivers who illegally pass school buses. Drivers could face a $250 fine with the money going to both the municipality and school districts. A vote could happen in a few weeks, WSTM reported.

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