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A 12-year-old Washington County girl was hit by a vehicle early Monday morning while attempting to cross the road to get on a school bus, police said.
It happened around 6:30 a.m. on Tenn. Highway 81 South, according to THP Sgt. Diane Mays.
She said there was little information she could release at the time because the accident was under investigation.
The girl was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injures, and Washington County Director of Schools Ron Dykes said the child was in stable condition.
Dykes said the bus driver and witnesses at the scene indicated the bus had stopped with its flashing lights when the car failed to stop and struck the child, despite reports to the contrary.
“(The driver) personally indicated that she had cracked the door, which automatically activates the flashing lights and extends the stop sign,” Dykes said.
The THP was scheduled to view video from the bus’ on-board camera today during the course of the investigation, Dykes said.
The director also said Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies would immediately begin increasing patrols and riding buses on routes in the area where the child was struck because of numerous complaints about speeding vehicles on 81S and cars failing to yield to school buses with flashing lights.
THP Sgt. Paul Mooneyham and Trooper James Nienast were on the early morning scene.
Mays said more information might be available Tuesday.
WashingtonCoTaxpayer writes:
November 19, 2012
6:54 PM
It is in the county. I have witnessed several cars on Old Embreeville Rd not stop for the bus when it has flashing lights at a complete stop. On a couple of occasions the same green SUV passed by and didn't even slow down. Because of these incidents I always stand out with my kids whether it is dark or not because people don't pay attention.
justmyopinion2012 writes:
November 19, 2012
11:09 PM
My niece and nephew had to catch the bus in Limestone around 6:30 in the morning because there were so many stops it was a 45 minute ride to school. Anyone who passes a stopped school bus or speeds along when children are waiting for the bus should have his license suspended and habitual offenders need to have their licenses revoked!
boo writes:
November 20, 2012
12:32 AM
I really hope this child will be ok, people need to pay attention when they are driving anywhere, it only takes a split second to distroy someones life!!
TNGIRL35 writes:
November 20, 2012
9:42 AM
If there had already been "numerous complaints about speeding vehicles on 81S and cars failing to yield to school buses with flashing lights", why weren't officers already patroling and riding the buses? Why do we have to wait until things like this happen before we act?
Happyhiker writes:
November 20, 2012
10:50 AM
I am a school bus driver. If a student must cross the road to get on or off the bus, I turn on my yellow warning lights and pull the bus over into both lanes to block all traffic in both directions. I see oncoming vehicles where the driver is on their cell phones and speeding not paying attention to my warning lights. I do not open the door until the oncoming traffic stops. By doing this the precious cargo I carry are on and off the bus safely. I do hope and pray this child was not hurt seriously.
justmyopinion2012 writes:
November 20, 2012
11:31 AM
Happyhiker, congrats on being a bus driver with common sense! You are doing a great job. Thanks and keep it up. You should be training other bus drivers.
Butterfly1234 writes:
November 20, 2012
2:00 PM
Something needs to be done to prevent drivers from passing or going straight through as oncoming traffic when a bus is stopped, but pulling a bus into both lanes could cause an accident.
Butterfly1234 writes:
November 20, 2012
5:55 PM
Justmyopinion2012 -you suggested license suspension and revocation. That may help. The article mentioned law enforcement patrolling and riders on the buses. That may help. Blocking both lanes of a road is illegal and if someone hits a school bus with passengers, there could be injuries. I don't want to see another child hit or a school bus accident with many injured.
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