This letter is prompted by an incident that occurred on Friday, Oct. 18. The school bus driven by Melanie VanAken was dropping children off from school. She had come to a complete stop and had the bus flashers on, indicating she was dropping off children.

Our son was on the last step of the bus ready to step off when a car passed the bus on the right. Thankfully, the bus driver was observant enough to notice the passing car in time to yell to our son to stop, and grabbed him to prevent him from being hit by the careless driver. She, in fact, saved our son’s life for which we are deeply grateful.

In case some drivers are unaware, Maine state law requires drivers to stop whenever the bus is picking up or dropping off children; common sense should also tell you to stop.

A fine levied against offending drivers is not sufficient; the drivers should also have their licenses suspended. Please, drivers, obey the law and pay attention to school buses carrying our children.

A sincere thank you to Melanie VanAken and the other bus drivers for transporting our children safely. Georgia T. Sovis Hampden