In 2017 Oliver Salbris's speedy reaction saved the Putney Pusher's victim from being run over, now bus driver David Allison kept his cool and stopped a collision between a biker and pedestrian on
Piccadilly
whilst driving the Number 14 bus last week from Putney depot. The incident was capture on video and has since gone viral on the internet.
31-year-old Mr Allison played down his 'hero role' saying, "I looked and I saw the motorcyclist and I quickly flashed him down with my hand to stop him and fortunately he stopped. This happens every single day. Not just me, other drivers too. With the training we get it comes like second nature."
After the pedestrian crossed the biker and David bumped fists earning David the name of Mr Cool - the biker's video describes David as the 'cool bus driver'. David told PutneySW15.com, “I’m really pleased the pedestrian and motor cyclist are ok. I could see a potentially bad outcome taking place and, as a professional bus driver, it was my natural instinct to alert the motor cyclist by gesturing through the bus cab window. The fist bump after was one of those spontaneous things and the coverage has been brilliant. I’m delighted it’s put Putney Bus Garage on the map and I also like being called ‘Mr Cool’. I think the name might just stick“.
'Mr Cool' with Kastriot Gashi the general Manager at Putney Bus Depot
A spokesperson for Go-Ahead London told this website ,“The company is delighted that David’s superb road craft has been seen by millions of people. His awareness proves that positive outcomes happen when all road users look out for each other. He is a credit to Putney Bus Garage and exemplifies the very best of a professional London bus driver”.
The event was posted on You Tube by the biker aka RoyalJordanian (see full video at end) who was wearing a body camera. The video has had over 9,000 likes. The video went viral - described on Twitter by Jono Hopkins as 'the most British thing':