A school bus driver is in hot water after leaving the scene of a collision in Weaverville on Friday morning. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened at about 7:30 a.m. Apparently, the school bus was on the way to Weaverville Primary at the time of the crash. The bus reportedly hit the part of the truck where sanitation workers stand as the truck is moving. There was no word on whether or not a sanitation worker was on this part of the truck at the time of the crash. The driver left the scene of the crash, and has since been cited for unsafe movement and leaving the scene. There were eight students on the bus at the time of the collision.
School Bus Accidents in Western North Carolina
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the bus driver is suspended until further notice. Although school buses are designed to safely transport children to and from school, they’re not completely without risk. Bus drivers are held to higher standards than other drivers, because they’re transporting children. Parents and caregivers are counting on bus drivers and other roadway users to exercise additional caution around buses and bus stops to keep kids safe. Any type of accident involving a school bus, whether injuries occurred or not, needs to be fully investigated.
U.S. School Bus Crash Facts
- Between 2005 and 2014, there were 1,332 people of all ages killed in school-transportation-related crashes.
- During that same time period, 304 school-age children died in school-transportation-related crashes.
- More school-age pedestrians were killed from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. and from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. than any other hours of the day.
- Nearly two-thirds of the school-age pedestrians fatally injured in school-transportation-related crashes were struck by school buses or vehicles functioning as school buses.
The Danger Zone
While big yellow school buses are undoubtedly one of the safest ways to get children to and from school, parents are reminded to talk to their kids about “The Danger Zone.” This is a 10-foot bubble that extends around the school bus. This is the most dangerous area for children who are getting on and off buses. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, contact the experienced team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation.