Special-Needs School Bus Driver, Aide Honored for Helping Save Student from Passing Car
The bus driver shouts at the parent of the 5-year-old special-needs student and beeps the bus’s horn to prevent them from crossing the street when an SUV speeds past the bus.
Volusia County (Fla.) Schools special-needs bus driver Sonia Rivera (pictured second from right) and bus aide Tiffany Bryant (right) were recognized at a Deltona City Commission meeting for helping save Lily Gonzalez (left) and her special-needs son from a speeding car. Photo courtesy Deltona City Commission
1 min to read
Volusia County (Fla.) Schools special-needs bus driver Sonia Rivera (pictured second from right) and bus aide Tiffany Bryant (right) were recognized at a Deltona City Commission meeting for helping save Lily Gonzalez (left) and her special-needs son from a speeding car. Photo courtesy Deltona City Commission
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A school bus driver and bus aide here were recognized on Monday for their recent efforts in helping save a special-needs student and his mother from a speeding car.
The bus driver, Sonia Rivera, and her aide, Tiffany Bryant, were honored during a Deltona City Commission meeting for helping save Lily Bell Gonzalez and her 5-year-old special-needs son as they were crossing the street to the school bus, with all his bags, blanket, and special-needs equipment in hand on Feb. 6, according to a report from Jane K. Shang, the city manager for Deltona.
Ad Loading...
The report said Rivera, a 20-year bus veteran, shouted at Gonzalez to stop and beeped the bus's horn to prevent her from crossing the street. At that moment, an SUV was speeding past the bus, ignored the bus’s signal, drove within inches of Gonzalez and her son, and kept going.
Gonzalez told ClickOrlando.com that she is grateful for the quick-thinking actions of Rivera and Bryant. Both are being honored for their loyalty, love of their job, and their help in preventing a serious incident, according to the report.
A product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user drops in to The Route to share practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Brianna Pauwee, product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user shares practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
As the number of students with disabilities and IEPs rises nationwide, transportation teams face growing pressure to stay compliant, confident, and trained. Explore what’s evolving and how to stay on top of it all.
Ongoing driver shortages nationwide are forcing tough transportation decisions. See how districts are using supplemental transportation to maintain coverage for high-needs students.
Honoring the exemplary accomplishments of school bus drivers transporting students with disabilities, AMF Bruns of America’s ninth annual National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year Award series is open for nominations!
Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.
