Driver Stops Runaway SUV With His Car, Saves Mom and Child

Paul Jackson was driving home on I-5 near Fife, Washington last Tuesday when he saw an SUV slam across three lanes and crash into the concrete barrier. Something was clearly wrong.

As Jackson pulled alongside, his suspicions were confirmed. The driver's eyes were rolled back, her face blank, and a young boy sat strapped in a child safety seat in the back. The child looked terrified.

Jackson didn't have time to weigh options or call for help. He just acted.

Using his Kia Forte, Jackson carefully maneuvered next to the out-of-control SUV. He positioned his car to gently guide the larger vehicle toward the concrete barrier, slowly increasing pressure until both cars came to a controlled stop against the wall.

"I got her in front and just kind of pushed her on over," Jackson explained. "I just slowly glided her to a stop, and it worked."

Cell phone video captured the entire rescue. The footage shows Jackson's smaller car squeezing the SUV against the barrier until it stops moving, preventing the vehicle from careening into traffic or causing a multi-car pileup.

The moment both vehicles stopped, Jackson jumped out. He shifted the SUV into park, helped the frightened child to safety, and stayed with the unconscious driver until emergency responders arrived.

The woman had experienced a sudden medical emergency while driving. Thanks to Jackson's quick thinking, both she and her son escaped without serious injury.

Sunny's Take

Jackson's humble response to being called a hero says everything about his character. His only complaint? He ended up late picking up his wife's birthday cake. He even texted her photos from the scene as proof he wasn't making up an elaborate excuse.

But Jackson sees the moment differently than most. "God put me there to do that," he said simply.

He hopes his story reminds others to stay alert for chances to help. "You get so many opportunities to do things for other people, but we are so busy," Jackson reflected. "You pass by and think, 'Should I have helped that person?'"

For Jackson, this was never a question. "This was not going to be that case. I knew I was going to stop this vehicle no matter what."

One ordinary driver refused to keep driving, and a terrifying highway emergency became a story of courage instead of tragedy.