New Jersey students injured in bus accident, citation issued

A school bus carrying 16 students was involved in an accident Monday afternoon. The incident happened at about 12:45 p.m. in Middle Township at the intersection of Mechanic Street and U.S. Route 9. The school bus was heading west and was hit by a Lincoln SUV traveling north. The driver of the SUV was issued a citation for running a red light.

According to police reports, two 13-year-old students were treated for injuries at Cape Regional Medical Center. One suffered an arm injury and the other sustained a neck injury. Although the bus involved in the car accident was drivable, the remaining students were transported to their destination on a different bus.

According to the New Jersey Department of Education, school busses are inspected twice a year by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Busses can be used for 12 to 20 years, depending on the weight of the vehicle. In 1992, all New Jersey school busses were required to be equipped with seat belts or other child restraint systems.

School bus drivers are required to maintain a commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement. Drivers must also meet state and federal standards regarding drug and alcohol testing, physical examinations and background checks.

When accidents happen, the driver must immediately inform the school principal and fill out a preliminary school bus accident report by the end of the next school day. The report requires information such as the name and age of each driver, lists of all property damage over $500, road conditions, if the traffic lights were in working condition, whether or not passenger restraints were used, and if the bus driver has completed an approved defensive driving course.

Source: nj.com, “Two students injured when bus, SUV collide at Middle Township intersection,” John Barna, April 2, 2012