1 Injured in School Bus Crash

Parents usually do not think much of putting their child on a bus and sending them to school. These buses are heavy-duty, but the truth is that accidents can still occur. A school bus crash recently occurred in Camden County in New Jersey, leaving one child injured.

The crash, which involved a school bus and SUV, happened in Lindenwold on the afternoon of February 19, The rear-end accident happened at the intersection of White Horse Pike and United States Avenue.

One child on the bus was injured and taken to a local hospital. The driver of the SUV was also hospitalized as a precaution.

No other details were released. Police stated that no criminality was involved.

Common Causes of School Bus Accidents

School bus accidents may be caused by the following:

• Driver error or negligence. Mistakes by school bus drivers can lead to serious crashes. Common errors include:
  • Distracted driving.
  • Fatigue or drowsy driving.
  • Failure to obey traffic signals.
  • Inadequate training or experience
• Other motorists’ negligence. Many school bus accidents are caused by other drivers, not the bus operator. Common issues include:
  • Illegal passing of stopped school buses.
  • Speeding in school zones.
  • Running red lights or stop signs.
  • Distracted or impaired driving.
• Unsafe road conditions. Poor road design and maintenance can contribute to crashes:
  • Potholes or uneven pavement
  • Inadequate signage
  • Faded lane markings
  • Sharp curves or blind intersections
  • Poor lighting in school zones
• Adverse weather conditions. Bad weather such as the following significantly increases accident risk:
  • Rain reducing visibility and braking efficiency
  • Ice and snow causing skidding
  • Fog limiting sight distance
  • Strong winds affecting bus stability
• Mechanical failures. Poor maintenance can lead to dangerous equipment failures:
  • Brake system malfunctions
  • Tire blowouts
  • Steering system failures
  • Lighting or signal failures
• Inadequate safety policies and training. Weak safety programs can result in preventable accidents:
  • Insufficient driver training
  • Poor emergency preparedness
  • Lack of regular vehicle inspections
  • Inadequate route planning
• Student behavior and distractions. Unruly student behavior such as the following may divert the driver’s attention:
  • Loud or aggressive conduct
  • Standing while the bus is moving
  • Throwing objects
  • Fighting
• Dangerous loading and unloading practices. The highest risk for children occurs when entering or exiting the bus:
  • Children crossing in front of the bus
  • Poor visibility zones around the vehicle
  • Cars illegally passing stopped buses
• Improper route planning. Routes that include busy highways, dangerous intersections, and poorly designed pickup/drop-off areas increase crash risks.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Bus accidents can be scary. Although school buses are generally safe and sturdy, occupants can be seriously injured or even killed.

In an accident? Get the legal help you need from a Morristown bus accidents attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We have the knowledge and experience, and will work hard to get you fair compensation. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567.

Source:

nj.com/camden/2026/02/child-injured-in-nj-school-bus-crash.html