Distracted Driver Causes School Bus Collision
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A distracted driver caused a school bus, carrying 40 passengers on their way to the State Fair of Virginia, to crash on October 2. The driver admitted that he was trying to change songs on his phone when he sideswiped the school bus, leading to the bus veering off the road and into trees. The incident resulted in at least two students and three other individuals being rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The school bus, operated by Rockingham County Public Schools, was traveling east on Jefferson Highway in Louisa County, Virginia, when the distracted driver hit it with his car. The bus was filled with middle school students from Elkton Middle School and Wilber S. Pence Middle School, accompanied by chaperones. The collision caused the bus to swerve off the road, while the Subaru spun twice before hitting a guardrail, with both vehicles losing control.
The Virginia State Police reported that the distracted driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, along with the bus driver, a chaperone, and at least two students who sustained possible injuries. The driver who caused the crash admitted to authorities that he was distracted while attempting to change songs on his phone. As a result, he was cited for failure to obey lane markings, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.
Photographs of the aftermath show significant damage to the Subaru and the school bus entangled with a tree on the embankment. Fortunately, all lanes were reopened shortly after the incident, allowing traffic to resume. In response to the crash, Larry Shifflet, superintendent of Rockingham County Public Schools, expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support provided by first responders and the Louisa County School Division.
The district reiterated its commitment to offering support and updates to the students and their families affected by the crash. Incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the perils of distracted driving and the importance of staying focused on the road at all times. The authorities continue to investigate the crash to determine any further actions needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. Stay informed with the latest news and updates by signing up for our free daily newsletter to receive the best of what’s happening worldwide.