Redwater ISD teacher’s quick reflexes saves community from tragedy during afternoon bus route
By Kenny Mitchell
What began as just another bus route for Redwater teacher and bus driver Greg Frachiseur has now become a warning to all as his quick actions are being heralded for preventing a tragedy.
“Mr. Frachiseur’s actions are a powerful reminder our students are cared for far beyond the classroom,” Superintendent Dr. Kelly Burns said. “In a split second, he recognized the danger, remained focused, and responded decisively in a critical moment, which speaks volumes about his commitment. We are incredibly proud of the way he represented Redwater ISD and grateful for his dedication to our students.”
Live video shows the scene on August 12 as Frachiseur was driving his bus route after a day of school. As he approached a stop, the fifth-grade teacher recalled how the incident unfolded.
“I came up to the stop and put on my yellow lights to warn traffic that I was about to stop. When the bus stopped, I put on the reds. Two cars in the oncoming lane stopped but a third car, the Jeep in the video, swerved into my lane and was coming right at us. I blew the horn and then instinct kicked in and I reached out and grabbed his backpack and pulled him back in. I just grabbed and pulled as a reflex.”
That quick reflex prevented a tragic scene as the Jeep swerved directly in front of the bus and came to a stop in the very driveway the two young passengers were about to step onto, the driveway of their home.
Frachiseur reported the incident to transportation officials and the Redwater SRO Dustin Thompson immediately upon returning back to campus and he also called the mother of the two bus riders to let her know what had happened.
Frachiseur notes, “He was coming right at us. It could have been very bad. I hope they find that driver.” He went on to say, “People run our lights all the time. They fly by us at full speed with no consideration for safety. It’s dangerous. Something bad could easily happen.”
Redwater ISD Police Chief Dustin Thompson told the West Bowie Post, “Redwater ISD is very thankful for Greg Frachiseur’s actions. His first priority was the safety of our students and when he was able to do so he gathered as much information as he could while continuing to keep our children safe.”
Transportation Coordinator Mack Wommack added, “As schools across the country begin a new school year, this incident serves as an important reminder for all of us to remain diligent, alert, and safe on the roads. Because of Greg Frachiseur’s quick thinking and even quicker actions, we have a cautionary tale rather than a tragedy. His professionalism and response in a critical moment are a credit to our district and should serve as an example to all school bus drivers. We are grateful for Greg’s commitment to the safety of our students and staff.”
The incident has been handed over to Texas DPS and according to Chief Thompson, “I would also like to add as soon as we were notified of the situation we coordinated with DPS to attempt to locate the vehicle. As of right now, we are still actively searching for the vehicle.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers to be wary that school buses are back on the road as school starts back up.
They noted on social media about the incident, “Pay attention. Eliminate distractions. Slow down and give yourself time to react. That quick thinking may have prevented a tragedy.”
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