A distracted driver plowed into the back of a stopped school bus in New York while looking at his phone, sending six people to the hospital and leaving a teenage student frozen in shock just feet from the collision.

Caught on Camera: Teen Narrowly Escapes Disaster

Home surveillance footage captured the terrifying moment on May 7 when Joshua Smith, 35, rear-ended a school bus as 17-year-old Jeremiah Rutkowski walked toward it from his home. The video shows the truck, carrying two children, slamming into the bus while Smith’s attention remained fixed on his phone rather than the road ahead. Jeremiah jumped back as the impact occurred, visibly shaken by the near-miss that could have cost him his life.

Matt Rutkowski, Jeremiah’s father, rushed onto the porch immediately after the crash to comfort his son before running inside to call 911, according to WKTV. The teenager later described feeling paralyzed by shock as he processed how close he came to being struck. The footage serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences distracted driving poses to children at bus stops across America.

Six Injured, Driver Cited After Phone-Related Crash

Emergency responders transported four children and two adults to area hospitals following the collision. All six victims sustained minor injuries and received treatment. Smith also required medical attention for minor injuries before authorities issued him several traffic tickets for the incident. The crash highlights an ongoing crisis of distracted driving that continues to endanger school children nationwide, particularly during morning and afternoon bus routes when kids are most vulnerable.

Growing Epidemic of Phone-Related Crashes

The incident adds to mounting concerns about drivers using phones behind the wheel, especially near school buses and children. Law enforcement agencies across the country have intensified efforts to combat distracted driving, but crashes continue to occur with alarming frequency. Parents and school officials rely on drivers to obey traffic laws and pay attention when buses display stop signs and flashing lights. This collision serves as a wake-up call about the real-world dangers that occur when motorists prioritize their phones over the safety of children boarding and exiting school buses.