A 19-year-old woman faces multiple felony charges following a school bus crash that injured more than 20 children. The incident occurred when the woman, driving a Toyota RAV4, reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a school bus, causing it to overturn into a ditch. The crash, which happened in September, resulted in injuries to both drivers and 21 children, ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old. The injuries were described as mild to moderate, with no fatalities reported.
According to authorities, the woman admitted to using her phone moments before the crash. Investigators discovered she had taken a screenshot on Snapchat just seconds prior to the first 911 call reporting the accident. Further examination revealed she was sending a voice text and making a video on the app at the time of the collision.
The woman had initially told investigators that she sent the message while driving on a different road before the crash. However, cellphone data contradicted this claim, indicating the message was sent much closer to the time of impact. Vehicle data also revealed she was driving between 48-53 mph and did not apply the brakes at the stop sign.
The crash left the woman with the most severe injuries, while the bus driver, a 52-year-old man, was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Among the children on the bus, 10 were hospitalized, with five sustaining concussions or broken bones. Other injuries included scrapes, bruises, and general pain.
The criminal charges against the woman include five felony counts and 17 gross misdemeanor counts of criminal vehicular operation. She was also charged with using a mobile application while driving. An investigation into her phone activity played a key role in building the case against her.
The woman was reportedly returning home from her boyfriend’s house at the time of the accident. She claimed to have been sending a Snapchat message to a friend. The evidence gathered from her phone showed a clear timeline of her activity, leading to the conclusion that she was distracted by her phone when the crash occurred.
The incident has reignited discussions about the dangers of distracted driving, particularly involving the use of mobile phones. Laws against texting and using apps while driving are in place to prevent such tragedies, but enforcement remains a challenge. The consequences of this crash highlight the severe risks associated with ignoring these laws.
The woman has been charged via summons and is scheduled to appear in court in late January. The case underscores the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and the devastating impact that a moment of distraction can have on the lives of many people.
