Kathy Phillips drives a Pre-School bus for Southern Hancock Schools. Last month, while driving her students home, a car pulled out from behind a fence and ran into her bus. The car was heavily damaged, and the bus' front fender was slightly bent.
Inside the bus, the bus aide, Peggy Jones, was turned in her seat, supervising her students. The impact knocked her to the floor, injuring her neck. The children were secured in their seats via child car seats and five-point harnesses.
The first I heard of the accident was a radio call. Kathy's voice was firm, controlled, and calm. I grabbed a handheld radio and drove over to the scene of the accident. I got there right after the fire department, and I walked onto the bus.
Kathy was standing by her bus seat. She appeared as calm and collected as she sounded on the radio. She was giving information to a Sheriff's Deputy, and was watching as the EMTs cared for Peggy.
When we were released, I ended up riding with her as the replacement aide as Peggy was taken to the hospital. She was engaged with her kids, upbeat, and we got the kids home.
Her peers were very impressed with her demeanor on the radio. Several of them nominated her for the Sheepdog of the Month, and last week, she received the award in front of all of her colleagues.
Her citation read, "During a recent accident, Kathy’s aide was injured, and substantial damage was done to the car that hit her bus. Kathy maintained her composure and performed all the steps necessary to keep her kids safe. Her peers noted her calm voice on the radio, providing them with an outstanding example of how to react to a crisis. Her love for students, and her focus on what is important has helped the CSCSHC FLEET remain a safe place to travel and excel."
Kathy Phillips is an excellent example for bus drivers to follow.
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