Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Driver distraction was determined to be the cause of an accident involving an SAD 1 bus and a car Jan. 7 at the intersection of Academy and Fleetwood streets, marking the second time a bus has been involved in an accident this school year.
“At approximately 7:36 a.m. the Presque Isle Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Academy and Fleetwood. The collision involved an SAD 1 school bus carrying 22 students,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley, investigating officer, PIPD.
The operator of the 2010 International school bus was identified as Donna Riley, 53, of Presque Isle, who was traveling west on Academy, slowing to make a turn on Fleetwood. Sylvanus Pierce II, 35, of Presque Isle, was driving a 2002 Volkswagen and was stopped at the stop sign headed north on Fleetwood.
“Ms. Riley was traveling west on Academy and became distracted by a student, which caused her to briefly take her eyes off the road, as she was turning south on Fleetwood. The front driver’s side of the bus struck the front of Mr. Pierce’s vehicle as he attempted to back up to avoid a collision,” Seeley said.
Both Riley and Pierce were wearing seatbelts. Neither were injured in the crash.
“Five students on the bus at the time of the collision reported having very minor injuries. SAD 1 school nurses responded to the scene and made contact with all students on the bus at the time of the collision, before they were transferred to another bus ad taken to their respective schools,” said Seeley.
The bus sustained approximately $3,000 in damage to the driver’s side. Pierce’s vehicle sustained about $6,000 in front-end damage.
“Mr. Pierce, who lives in close proximity to the intersection, was able to drive his vehicle back to his house, while the bus was driven back to the school bus garage for repairs,” said Seeley.
No charges are expected.
Patrolman Lynn Hartley, PIPD, assisted with the investigation.
A COLLISION between an SAD 1 bus and a car at the intersection of Academy and Fleetwood streets Jan. 7 in Presque Isle caused a brief delay in getting to school for the students onboard. No serious injuries were reported.
