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Harrisonburg Bus Accident Update Save Email Print
Harrisonburg, Va.
Posted: 6:30 PM Mar 5, 2008
Last Updated: 8:12 AM Mar 6, 2008
Reporter: Kelly Creswell
Email Address: kcreswell@whsv.com

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While the driver of one of the buses has been charged with disregarding a traffic signal, the public transportation department is re-evaluating the crash.

Bus drivers do get plenty of training before getting behind the wheel. When word traveled around Harrisonburg that two school buses were involved in a crash, parents were concerned for their children.

"My first concern was that my daughter was on the bus, so I quickly called her on her cell phone just to make sure she wasn't one of the ones involved," says Abbie Smith, whose daughter rides the bus to school everyday.

While the crash turned out to be minor, the Harrisonburg Public Transportation department immediately investigated the incident. Director Reggie Smith says this serves as an example that drivers should always be aware of their surroundings.

"In a recent study, I found at one of the transit systems said that the drivers that had the most accidents from drivers that had been there four to six years, because they had gotten to a point where they had become complacent," says Reggie.

That's why drivers have quarterly safety training and Harrisonburg requires all drivers have a Department of Transportation physical. They also have to fulfill state requirements of driving time behind the wheel. However, Reggie says the most scrutiny of all doesn't come from an organization.

"Bus drivers, people that work for the public are assessed everyday," says Reggie. "The public, we're all in the public's eye and believe me, when somebody does something wrong, it's here fast."

On the other hand, Abbie isn't quick to criticize.

She says, "Even with an accident, I don't feel that her safety is in jeopardy. I think the city does a really good job of keeping our kids safe and unfortunately things are going to happen."

Reggie says the driver that was charged was not at work Wednesday. When asked if the driver was put on administrative leave, the only thing he said was that the department will wait a little before decisions are made.

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Posted by: sonia Location: harrisonburg on Mar 8, 2008 at 07:18 PM
i agree 70 year olds are to old to be drving a school bus and put young kids life at risk

Posted by: Pam Location: Luray on Mar 5, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I am middle aged and drive but I really feel that 70 yrs old is too old to be driving a school bus, there is too many children that their safety is at risk. Although, any age can be unsafe and driving a car can be as dangerous for as many people as would be on a bus but why put our children at risk. I am sure the driver would never intentionally hurt anyone but at retirement age lets rest we have earned it.

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