An Oxford School bus collided with a car at the intersection of Oakwood and Delano Roads Feb. 12, making it the district’s bus accident of the year.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s report, the bus was heading northbound and stopped at the two-way stop sign on Delano Road. It then proceeded into the intersection where the bus collided with the driver’s side of a 2008 Ford Taurus, driven by a 54-year old Leonard woman.
The Leonard woman, who was heading west on Oakwood Rd., had the right of way, according to the report.
‘It was a bright sunny morning, so (there is a) possibility the sun got in his (the bus driver’s) eyes or whatever,? said sheriff’s Deputy Randy Tarp. ‘But he just stated that he didn’t see the car coming and pulled out there and they collided.?
According to the report, the woman sustained a potential injury and was transported by Oxford Fire Department to Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.
‘Typically, the bus drivers are very safe drivers,? Tarp added. ‘This is just one of those things where he made a mistake and luckily no one was (severely) hurt.?
The two other minor bus accidents occurred on Feb. 5 at the intersection of Melina and Sanders Roads (near Drahner Rd.) and Jan.16 at intersection of Vivian Lane and Mark Court (off Ludwig Road).
In both cases the police were notified, there were no injuries and the buses were carrying students. According to Communications Coordinator Jenny Matteson, school administrators did contact parents and give them the option to pick their students up at the locations where the accidents occurred.
Students not picked up were dropped off at their regular stops after the accident reports were completed.
‘Oxford Community Schools makes the safety and security of all students our greatest priority,? Matteson added. ‘In regards to the Wed., Feb. 12, bus accident, all protocols were followed at the time of the accident and all post-accident procedures were fulfilled. As part of the post-accident procedures, the district conducted a full investigation into the incident.