Bus driver prevents kids from stepping in path of runaway car

Lorraine "Lori" Golden is honored by the Lake Shore Central School District board of education in Angola, N.Y., for her actions on Sept. 6. Golden blocked the students from exiting her bus when a vehicle swerved out of control and passed by the doors of the bus and across three lawns.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

October 20, 2011

1 min to read

ANGOLA, N.Y. — Lake Shore Central School District's board of education recently honored Lorraine "Lori" Golden for her actions on Sept. 6, which protected several elementary school students from being struck by an out-of-control vehicle.

Golden had stopped her bus, performed a visual inspection of the road and opened the doors when her instincts and training led her to block the students from exiting the bus, The OBSERVERreports. A white Dodge minivan skidded sideways in front of the bus' doors and across three lawns in front of the parents who were waiting for their children.

Golden and other witnesses were able to describe the vehicle and provide a partial plate number to police.

Golden, a veteran school bus driver and certified driver instructor, was presented with a certificate and flowers by Superintendent James Przepasniak for her distinguished service and training.

"There was no place I would have rather been at that place and time that all of my training and years of service came together to circumvent what could have been a tragic scenario," Golden said after receiving her award, according to TheOBSERVER. "It was all in a days' work and I am glad I could be of service."

Topics:Safety

More Safety

A close up detail of the back of a school bus with text reading "Insight From 10 Years of NHTSA Data."

Safety•by Elora Haynes•July 22, 2026

NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes

The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.

Safety•by Amanda Huggett•July 21, 2026

2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing

New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.

Safety•by Staff and News Reports•July 9, 2026

Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York

A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.

School buses at NSTA's SBDISC Roadeo with text reading "School Bus Drivers Put Their Skills to the Test."

Safety•by Staff and News Reports•June 30, 2026

NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners

Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.

The Driver Shortage Playbook

Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.