A vigilant driver in Florida quickly sprang into action on Sunday, rescuing two toddlers who had wandered into the path of oncoming traffic on a bustling roadway.
John Brittingham was traveling south on A1A in Brevard County when he noticed the young girls standing perilously in the road. Without hesitation, he pulled over and dashed into the street to ensure their safety.
Footage captures Brittingham racing toward the children, raising a hand to halt the approaching cars.
“The thought of what might have happened to them was terrifying,” Brittingham expressed to WESH-TV. “It would have haunted me for the rest of my life.”
By the time Brittingham reached the scene, one of the toddlers had already ventured further into the traffic lane. Acting swiftly, he managed to shepherd both girls to safety in just about six seconds.
One child was already in the middle of the street by the time he reached them. He said he grabbed both girls and got them off the road in about six seconds.
Brittingham said the girls appeared to be about 2 years old or younger and were unable to speak clearly, only pointing and saying, “Ohh.”
Brittingham said it took him about six seconds to run over to the children, grab them and get them out of the roadway. (Drone Geox)
After pulling the toddlers to safety, Brittingham searched nearby homes and eventually located an Airbnb property. He said no one answered when he knocked, so he walked around the house calling out. He later noticed a back gate was open.
Brittingham said the girls got out from an open gate of a rental home. He reunited them with family. (Drone Geox)
Inside, he found an elderly couple and a young woman who appeared unaware the children had wandered off.
“There was an elderly couple and a young girl, and they immediately went into like, ‘Oh my God, we’re so sorry,’” Brittingham said. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, I know, I’m just glad I could get them back to you. They were out in the road, and your gate was open.’”
Brittingham, who has five children and grandchildren, said he did not call police as his focus was getting the children back to their parents.
