A seventh-grade student from Lois E. Carter Middle School in Warren, Michigan, is being recognized for his bravery and quick thinking when the driver of his school bus lost consciousness. Dillon Reeves took control of the bus, steering it to safety and potentially saving lives.
According to Robert D. Livernois, the Superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools, the incident occurred on a Wednesday afternoon during Dillon’s ride home from school. The bus driver became lightheaded and passed out at the wheel. Dillon swiftly grabbed the wheel and applied the brakes, bringing the bus to a halt in the middle of the road. “Dillon’s actions made all the difference,” Livernois stated in a news conference on Thursday. He further expressed his pride in Dillon’s efforts through a statement shared on Facebook.
Video footage released by authorities revealed that the female bus driver had been employed with the school since July 2022. She was seen using her cap to fan herself and communicated via radio that she felt dizzy before losing consciousness. It was at this crucial moment that Dillon sprung into action, shouting for someone to call 911 as he took control of the situation.
Livernois confirmed there was no damage to property or injuries to anyone on board as a result of the incident. He also mentioned that counseling sessions were offered to students and Dillon would be receiving recognition from the school board at a future date.
Dillon’s father, Steve Reeves, expressed immense pride in his son’s courage and maturity. He noted that Dillon had been sitting five rows back when he decided to intervene: “He had the wherewithal to push it [the brake] slowly, likely in anticipation that the bus was full of passengers,” Steve said. “It’s an extraordinary act of courage and maturity.”
Dillon credited his knowledge about what to do in such situations to driving with his father since he was four years old. “He pays close attention,” Steve added.
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