UPDATED: Bus Driver Cited In Accident

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Posted: 10:16 AM Oct 14, 2008
Last Updated: 10:16 AM Oct 14, 2008
Reporter: Heather King / Bill Wilson

110 comments

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Havelock, NC (WITN) - A bus driver who troopers said swerved to avoid a dog in the road has now been cited by the Highway Patrol.

Latera Newby was charged with failure to maintain lane control. Newby was driving a bus last Friday that ran off the road and flipped over in a ditch.

Twenty three students from Roger Bell Elementary School in Havelock went to local hospitals to be checked out.

No word yet whether any disciplinary action was taken against Newby by the school system.

Original Story

Twenty three students from Roger Bell Elementary School in Havelock were taken to area hospitals Friday morning after their bus flipped over.

Dispatchers tell WITN the bus, headed to Roger Bell Elementary School in Havelock, hit a ditch on Fisher Town Rd. at 7:29 a.m. Friday. The bus turned on its side.

The Highway Patrol says the bus driver swerved to avoid a dog in the road and ended up in the ditch.

Casezell Martin was preparing to put his two young grandchildren on the bus when he heard the crash. "We were standing at the door me and my two grand kids when i heard skids on the highway and then a tumble."

Martin says he walked down the road to see his grand kid's school bus flipped on its side. "I was like oh my God, I thought maybe some of them just hurt bad, but thanks to God they did not," he said.

Troopers tell WITN that none of the students were seriously injured. Eleven students were sent to Craven Regional Hospital and twelve to Carteret General Hospital. .

An East Care helicopter dispatched to the scene was called off, the Havelock Police dispatcher said, because it was not needed.

School officials say all parents whose students were on the bus have been contacted.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Friend of a Parent Location: Harlowe on Oct 18, 2008 at 08:49 AM
What is the school system doing about this?

Posted by: Grandparent on Oct 17, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Are they just going to sweep this under the rug? That's what it seems like. Something else needs to be done. I don't want the bus driver to lose her job, but more action should take place. My grandchild is still afraid and to all that think otherwise...it isn't an act!

Posted by: Concerned Resident Location: Havelock on Oct 17, 2008 at 05:29 AM
I think that someone needs to check out the lame charge that the bus driver got.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Beaufort, NC on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:05 PM
The community should get together and rally for tougher laws against bus drivers. If you or I passed a bus with it's stop sign out, but didn't hurt anyone and the bus driver turned our tags in or a police officer saw us, what kind of ticket would we have gotten? Surely, not an infraction.

Posted by: Mr. Knowitall on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:08 PM
A dog is pretty darn important. They aren't called "man's best friend" for nothing.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: New Bern on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Further action should be made

Posted by: 2 Concerned on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Is it just me or does it seem like there is a cover-up. She should have been charged with more than an Infraction...she did endanger those kid's lives.

Posted by: truth hurts on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Since when is a dog more important then a bus full of children?

Posted by: Mr. Knowitall on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Like I said, these kids need to be tougher. I remember this one time, it was probably the 10th or 11th time our bus flipped, and I was thrown from the bus. BOY WAS MY FACE RED! Me and my friends often jokingly referred to our bus as the dryer because we always rolling around in there. Ah the good ol days.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Havelock on Oct 15, 2008 at 06:51 AM
We trust our children on the buses and in the school system. Just as anytime, our children get hurt, we as parents question ourselves.

Posted by: M. Bates Location: Kinston on Oct 15, 2008 at 06:29 AM
this is from a person that drove school bus and worked in the system for over 15 years, she should have known better that to have swerved to miss the dog""""""" Doesn't it say in the regular drivers had book not to avoid hitting a animal cause it can cause a worse accident. Just thank God that no one got hurt any worse than a few bumps and bangs....

Posted by: First-Hand Location: Harlowe on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:40 AM
For Obama for Prez! That is the only real thing that I agree with. First of all, it could have happened to anybody, but it happened to someone who supposedly had extensive training and I think that is why everyone is so upset. I live in the area and know parents of children who ride that bus. I have seen some of the children first- hand and they look as if they were in a fight with Muhammad Ali. The raod that the accident occured on is a narrow one just as most of them are in this area. Lets see, you have a bus full of children on a narrow road, a dog darts in front of you....HIT IT! Most of the kids can't see what's going on in front of the bus because they aren't tall enough,(elementary kids...hello) so she could have hit the dog. What about the parent who observed her driving, complained, and after doing so, had to remove her kids from the bus. I think that speed was a factor, because she hardly ever had the kids at school on time and no some parents couldn't just take them.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Good Grief....I'm glad I'm not a pro driver like most of you. I don't understand why most of you aren't racing beside Dale Jr. My instincts probably would have told me to swerve also. I have been alone in my car with groceries in the front seat and animals have ran out in front of me....instinctively I throw my right arm out and protect my groceries. The driver has been cited, the kids are OK..what more do you want...her kidney? I can see the headlines now if she had hit the dog. "School Bus Driver Hits Dog, Bust Guts All Over Windshield, 23 Kids Traumatized For Life." Then some moron would be crying...why didn't she just swerve, the kids watched her tear a dog's head off. There is no pleasing you people. D@mned if you do..D@mned if you don't! And Please post to me all you want, if you know me from this website already you'll know your opinion about my opinion is worth about as much as what my dog is getting ready to do when I let her out!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:04 PM
What happened to Pete? He seemed to be an expert on the subject?

Posted by: Children 1st Location: Havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 08:16 PM
It seems as if a lot of you are finding reasons for the bus driver's actions, but for a moment, think about the children.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Does anyone think that she just got a slap on the wrist?

Posted by: shon Location: greenville on Oct 14, 2008 at 05:47 PM
To experienced bus driver: I am a teacher assistant and have had to drive a bus more times than I have wanted but thank God never have I been in an accident. I hope that you can be a little more empathetic to the story and not brag about your bus blue ribbons...everyone's not cut out to drive a bus and deal with that amount of responsibilty..Hopefully changes are made to keep bus drivers well trained and keep TA's in the class room.

Posted by: Angelo Location: NC on Oct 14, 2008 at 05:41 PM
As was stated before, she may be a God loving woman..who adores children..but that doesn't make her a capable bus driver. Try to find faults in me, and bring me down..quite frankly I dont care. There are only a few people here..most of which are drivers themselves, or parents that are/were concerned of their children's safety that understand anything that I am saying. If you have not a clue about pupil transportation..why comment with ignorance? So she was cited..big deal. Let the witch hunt continue ;) Get a grip!

Posted by: Angelo Location: NC on Oct 14, 2008 at 05:38 PM
John: Accidents are never expected..are they? BUT there is a difference, and since some cant accept that..please use a dictionary. I have had unexpected accidents, including being hit by a drunk guy on a motorcycle, hitting numerous animal, being rear ended at a bus stop, etc. I have never said I haven't. Nor, have I claimed to be perfect, far from it. I cant understand why it is so hard to understand that this was P-R-E-V-E-N-T-A-B-L-E. I take pride in my safety record as any safe and knowledgeable driver would. What is wrong with that? I simply cannot stand behind a "colleague" that made an error that COULD have been deadly. Mark my word, those of you that think this is a witch hunt would be singing a different tune if there were students in the hospital still, or worse yet... No, it didn't happen..but it certainly could have.

Posted by: Puzzeled Location: Havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I still don't understand how in the devil that bus turned around in the opposite direction. I still think that she had to speeding on that narrow road. Sounds as if there might be some sort of cover-up within the county.

Posted by: Parent Location: Havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 05:10 PM
To Holly....I am a parent of a child that rides the bus and was on the bus when the accident happened. I can not speak for all parents, but I can speak for myself...a lawsuit is not on my mind. The parent(s) that contacted the law firm in which you work have that choice just as she had the choice of hitting the dog iinstead of swerving to miss it. Did you ever think that those parents seeking a lawsuit is doing so to prove a point about how bus drivers should be evaluated? I still can't believe that she was only charged with a lane violation....what do you think that you or I would have been charged with if we were driving our personal vehicles?

Posted by: John Location: Jacksonville on Oct 14, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Angelo, your time may come for an unexpected accident that you may not can help, never know!

Posted by: Josh Location: Albermarle,NC on Oct 14, 2008 at 03:04 PM
So, how is the dog doing?anyone check on that.

Posted by: GoPirates Location: GVegas on Oct 14, 2008 at 02:56 PM
TO ANGELO...if you had read my other post you would have seen that I never said anything about bus drivers not going through extinsive training and that bus drivers werent proffesionals!! I dont know, Im not a bus driver..but EVERYBODY now knows that you DO NOT SWERVE FOR AN ANIMAL...that is what yall are taught..gosh we know that, I think every bus driver in the world wrote that on this site!! I was just saying that the dog COULD HAVE just darted out in front of her and it startled her, in turn, causing her to snatch the wheel!!! But she has obviously learned from this mistake! and by my comment I was just saying that you deserve another award or something since you have never swerved for an animal. The parents of the children that were on the bus obviously have forgiven her and still trust her with their kids!! So, let them, the school and law deal with it...leave her alone!!

Posted by: concerned mom Location: Havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I feel the need to post a comment on behalf of all the children. I myself used to have my kids on her bus but after observing on a number of occasions her driving ability to handle the big bus and having my concerns put aside by the school, I took my kids off that bus and put them on another. I have no regrets. She is most definitely one of the nicest people you could ever meet but that does not qualify a person to be a bus driver. Focus must be on the road or we can not feel safe turning our children over to them each school day. Dog or no dog, this could have happened any other day for any other reason. I know what I know because I pay attention and I listen to all the kids. Having love for the children does not necessarily mean having the capabilty to handle driving a bus. We need to pay closer attention to what really goes on. Our children are counting on us.

Posted by: Markus Location: Williamston on Oct 14, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Well all I am going to say is.......She just should have stopped the bus and blowed for the dog to get out the way. She put a lot of kids n danger and she just made it look very bad for other bus drivers in NC

Posted by: TM Location: Wash.NC on Oct 14, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I feel for the driver, as it sounds like everything was done to prevent the incident. Me, I would have not hesitated to turn Fido into supper for the buzzards, and I own 2 dogs. Chidrens safety over a dog's safety equals one dead pooch.

Posted by: kelly Location: washington on Oct 14, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Witch hunters, every last one of you. The driver has been cited....everybody happy now? Everybody feel safely superior now? No children seriously hurt, nobody died, yet ya'll feel like some grave injustice has been done because the driver MADE A MISTAKE. Who here has NEVER made a mistake? Do you make up stuff so your penchant for drama is satisified? Cause even where there is none, ya'll sure create it.

Posted by: Angelo Location: NC on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:41 AM
To Experienced Bus Driver: I hope you know that comment wasnt directed at anyone but one person. All drivers make mistakes..but when something like this happens it tears me up. This could of been prevented, and you and I know that..unfortunately most others dont. Stay safe out there..you know how it can be. As for blaming the dog's owner..well I just cant see myself going down that road. I mean, come on! For those of you that keep saying that it was an ACCIDENT, your right. BUT, it is what we call a PREVENTABLE accident. Look up preventable..and then you might understand. To Holly: There are plenty of people here and elsewhere that KNOW the bus driver is at fault, and we are not saying that looking for money. IN the same sense, that is a ridiculous thing to say about concerned parents. The driver may not swerve to miss an animal again, but who is to say she wouldn't ignore any of the other defensive driving techniques that we are taught.

Posted by: bus driver Location: dare county on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I noticed in the earlier comments that the bus driver is also a teacher assistant. Back in the mid 90's the state or at least dare county started requiring all new teacher assistants to get bus licenses as a condition of their employment. That is convenient for the school, they don't have to hire separate people and pay extra benefits on professional bus drivers when they can pull teacher assistants and FORCE them to drive buses. Just because someone is a good TA doesn't mean they have the nerve or skill to be a bus driver. Some women take the job , get licensed, and pray they never have to actually drive. If they are called on to be a substitute driver it is not a good scenario. Usually one of the older kids tells her where to go and where the stops are.Teacher Assistants are usually inexperienced, amature, bus drivers and this full time driver thinks they should NOT be used. It is not safe for the kids or fair to the teacher assistants, only cheaper for the administration.

Posted by: Alison Location: Havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:12 AM
To mom: I think you were right on by putting them back on that bus. My son had not been picked up yet and was still shaken by this accident. He even said a prayer for his classmates and the driver. Children read into our emotions more than we think. It does not matter how this accident turned out, we would still be blaming her. The owner of the dog needs to take some responsibility in this as well. If his dog had been properly restrained this would have never had happened!

Posted by: experienced bus driver Location: dare county on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I have to agree with angelo. As a trained, experienced, nc bus driver I can tell you that one of the things that is taught to be an instinctive bus driving reaction is to NEVER, EVER swerve for animals. An inexperienced driver may flinch after running over the first animal but you get used to it. One animal is not worth endangering the precious cargo you are carrying. Our bus driving trainer and the guy that tested us at license renewal times, Mr. Sawyer, drilled that in our heads over and over. When you are driving your private car you may swerve to avoid hitting an animal because you don't want damage your car. In a bus the bus will always win. I have hit deer,cats, suicidal squirrels, dogs and slowly driven through wild horses when I had the corolla route. You never leave your lane of travel. I have also won county, regional, and come in the top 20 out of 100 at the state level several times in nc bus driving competitions. Yes, I can put a 40 foot bus in a 43 foot parking space.

Posted by: mom Location: harlowe on Oct 14, 2008 at 08:11 AM
well i put my kids back on the bus i told them its like a shark attack the odds of you getting bit twice is not common same goes for the bus thanks to the bus driver whom made my kids fill safe in a scared time in there life im sure she did not mean to do it and im sure it wont happen agian i will be sad if i dont see her on the bus agian and so will my kids

Posted by: Holly Location: Rocky Mount on Oct 14, 2008 at 08:10 AM
I am sure the bus driver reacted on instinct. I am sure the kids were shaken up also, but how can you say you would not have done the same thing in hers shoes. Some of you say your kids are now scared to ride the school bus to school, and I am sure for some it is difficult but what if you hurt your own child in an "ACCIDENT"? I know this driver knows how lucky they "ALL" were. If you ask me you all are just looking for some $$$$. Yes, I do know cause I work the the atty who has been contacted about a personal injury claim. Just remember a lil shaken is better than dead. What if you had been driving your child? Karma- what comes around goes around. Think before you judge!

Posted by: QUESTIONABLE Location: Havelock on Oct 14, 2008 at 05:29 AM
TO T.....It's easy for you to think the way you do because you didn't have any kids on the bus. No one asked you to blame yourself for something that you would have probably done yourself, but take a moment and put yourself in the shoes of the kids and parents.

Posted by: T Location: Greenville on Oct 13, 2008 at 09:27 PM
I am thankful the children only had minor injuries. Yes it's quite easy to place the blame on the bus driver because of the extent that there were many children involved however it was an accident. It's easy to say she was trained to not do something but you never know how you will react until it happens. If this was a story about this poor dog or whatever the animal was willfully gunned down by a bus who didn't do anything to attempt to not hit it then we would be blaming her for that and probably have PETA all in it. It's a natural reaction to swerve when something darts out in front of you. There's no way for sure to know that quickly whether it's a child or a dog or whatever. I know I've swerved for an animal before sheerly out of surprise to see something dart out in front of me. I can't see myself blaming another individual for something I probably would have done myself simply out of the way our brain operates. I praise ALL bus drivers you all have the hardest job in the country

Posted by: QUESTIONABLE Location: Havelock on Oct 13, 2008 at 07:17 PM
How many of you would be on the bus driver's side if your child was one of the passengers?

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 13, 2008 at 07:13 PM
I don't think I ever downed a bus driver I agree with you 100%. They have to be professional to do what they do Why do yink Im on her side?!?!?!?!?

Posted by: IDK Location: Havelock on Oct 13, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I can't believe that she was only charged with an Infraction ,Fail To Maintain Lane Control. Iwould think more of the lines of Wreckless Endangerment.

Posted by: Angelo Location: NC on Oct 13, 2008 at 05:26 PM
To GoPirates. A cookie? How nice of you. Seriously, was that necessary? I love people that cant post their name,I was simply backing up my information..so that people like you could understand that we go through ample amounts of safety exercises and training. This is our job, we are professionals. This is no ones fault but the driver of that bus. PERIOD! Like I said, if this was different and their would have been fatalities..god forbid..people would not be looking for excuses as to why this preventable accident happened. These children have been through something that they may never fully recover from. How do you think it would feel to be terrified of riding a school bus/activity bus. These children didn't deserve this, and it is all at the fault of the driver. I have hit a few animals, actually 2 deer in one school year. Don't tell me that everyone would have swerved the bus, that just doesn't fly with me. It may be a natural instinct..but you should have control over yourself.

Posted by: GoPirates Location: GVegas on Oct 13, 2008 at 04:28 PM
O somebody please give Angelo a cookie or another award!!! Owners take control of your animals!!

Posted by: Confused on Oct 13, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Everyone is so concerned about the bus driver but what about the victims( the children)? How do you think they feel?

Posted by: Upset Location: Havelock on Oct 13, 2008 at 04:18 PM
My child was on this bus and now is afraid to ride the bus to school. Now, I know that the situation could have been a lot worse and I thank GOD that it wasn't. All I am saying is that the roads in the area are narrow and I don't think that she made the right decision.

Posted by: Craziness Location: NC on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:59 PM
See, what people dont understand is that compartmentization WORKS! That is why school buses have never had seatbelts. Imagine having to worry about cutting 20-70 out of their seat belts if there is a fire, overturn, submerged in water, etc. Little hands tend to get flustered easily, and if you are hanging on your side or upside down it just would not work. School buses are made with the reinforcements and compartmentalization for a reason. Come on folks, get your heads out of the sand..stop calling foul because there are no seat belts on the bus. The cons outweigh the pros by a land slide. Most everyone not in Pupil Transportation will not understand this but hopefully some will try. I know the day I have to make sure up to 72 children are buckled in is the day I change careers. Seat belts dont change idiotic drivers. Seat belts could have resulted in more injuries here. Then again, I dont expect the ignorance that flies around here to understand that.

Posted by: beaufort county on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I am not saying that the driver needs to lose her job. Driving a 72 passenger bus is hard. We are trained and so I feel that we are better at it than those who have never driven a bus. To all the people that stated we are judging her unfairly, I say she let the wreck happen so she should get fined. If your child was on the bus and had of gotten hurt and had to have surgery you would feel differently about it. i love my family but if my sister drove a bus and she injured my child because she didn't want to injure and animal, then she doesn't need to be driving. It may be instinct when you are driving a car, but you know if you drive a bus what it will and will not do. And so you know that stopping quickly is not going to happen. Its important to keep the children inder control even if it means silent bus so that you can concentrate.

Posted by: GoPirates Location: GVegas on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:08 AM
FIRED??? Come on Chris, give me a break!! This dog probably startled her which in turn made her jerk the wheel. Dont tell me that you have never swerved, wether it be instinct or not, to miss an animal!! She is already has this burden on her, why fire her?? I pray for speedy recoveries and seatbelts for buses..no matter what, my child is not riding a school bus, I never did (except games/trips) and my children never will!!

Posted by: Bill Location: Bethel on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:02 AM
To Marie: you should have to walk in that bus driver's shoes. You were not there, you do not know what or how it happened! I'm sure it was an accident that she wishes she could have prvented! It may happen to you one day never know!

Posted by: INFO Location: Havelock on Oct 13, 2008 at 06:46 AM
To Angelo.....Thank You, finally someone who spoke up to Pete because it seems that he knows everything. I forgot, he must be a teacher, professional driver, EMT, and anything else that he can add his experience to.

Posted by: Kevin Location: PA on Oct 12, 2008 at 09:08 PM
OK... after reading this, I'd like to throw my opinion in. I am a School Bus driver from PA... I am also an EMT-I/Firefighter and 911 Dispatcher... so I can see both Pete & Angelo's side. Pete, I dont care what you say about Professionalism. ANYONE who can get behind the wheel of a 40 foot long vehicle and haul screaming kids multiple times a day and STILL keep their whits to do it SAFELY is a professional for that alone. We are required to do class room time (at least 8 hours a day) for about 2 weeks, plus so many hours of on the road driving just to be certified. We go through more driving requirements than most OTR truck drivers... so that statement is BULL. Honestly, I would probably have swerved out of instint and that happens, it's called Life, and NOBODY is beyond perfection. Anyone notice how the STRUCTURE of the Bus stood up to the Accident? You folks making negative comments that have NO CLUE should really get real. My heart goes out to the driver and kids! GOD BLESS!

Posted by: Angelo Location: NC on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Bottom line, whether you want to admit it..the driver of the bus did not do what she was supposed to. Now, if there would have been fatalities..people on here would be singing a different tune. I have driven a bus for a number of years, here and in a northern state. I would be what you call a veteran. Can you park a 40 ft bus in a 43 ft spot? Didnt think so. Lets face it..you can post any excuse you want to try and defend someone..but bottom line your wrong. She may be a God loving woman, who loves children dearly..but she made a mistake that could have been deadly. Everyone is human..but when you have an accident that is preventable, I dont have much remorse on you. Sorry! Oh, did I mention that I won the District, Local, Regional, and NC School Bus Safety competition, and advanced to the International Safety Competition last year? Yes, please tell me that we are not professional drivers again.

Posted by: Angelo on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:34 PM
To Pete, clearly you have no clue what you are talking about. I HAVE had extensive training, both on road and in the classroom. Also, as required by my county I have been certified in defensive driving. Which FYI is a 50 hour classroom course and a 20 hour on road experience. Do you know how many laws, rules and regs, policies, etc. that a school bus driver has to know and be aware of? Uhh, I didnt think so. I drive a bus IDENTICAL to the one that was in this accident..and thank god it is a new C2. I can only imagine if it was one of the 15-20 year old buses that NC still has running on a daily basis. It is not just about passing one test. We have to take 4 written tests, yes count it FOUR, along with on road training. After you have your CDL permit for 30 days, take the 65 hour classroom training, and have 30 hours behind the wheel then the county will test you. I mean, you can argue all you want..but you are wrong. Oh, did I mention that I have attended number safety competitions?

Posted by: INFO Location: Havelock on Oct 12, 2008 at 06:15 PM
To Angelo....I agree with you. In situations like this, you should use the skills that you learned. I think that people are being kind towards the bus driver because there wasn't any life threating injuries, but the situation could have easily lead to that. Have they seen the condition of the bus?

Posted by: INFO Location: Havelock on Oct 12, 2008 at 06:10 PM
To Pete....It's good to know that you are willing to put your kids back on the bus with her, but do you think that the kids that where involved in the accident be so willing and trustworthy to get back not just on her bus, but any bus. Instead of swerving, why didn't she blow her horn or ease on the brakes?

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 12, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Your still not a professional driver you have not had extensive driving classes nor been to school for defensive driving. You may have some hours in classes but thats it. That does not qualify you as a "professional" driver. When something darts out in front of you and is only feet away from the front end you dont have time to identify what it is. Im not here to call people ignorant or any other choiuce names i';d like too. I'm just here to explain too people and try to get the ignorant ones to understand. What happened happened and I'm pretty sure no matter who was driving the same would have happened. All I know is that I hope and pray everyone will understand stuff happens whether your on a bus or in a parents car accidents happen no matter your training. Everyone just needs to be praying for the kids and there families and for the driver and hers. She does not deserve the criticism that shes getting I would be honored and very trusting to put my kids back on that bus with her.

Posted by: Angelo on Oct 12, 2008 at 05:04 PM
I am a bus driver in Onslow County and my thoughts go out to the driver and the children. However, we are taught to hit the animal..and this clearly shows why. Yes, we are professional drivers..whom ever thinks otherwise, you try driving a 40 ft bus with up to 72 active children on board, dealing with general motoring public and morons like you..then tell me we are not professional. Thank God everyone is alright! Hopefully this teaches why it is so imperative for us to use the techniques we have been taught. DO NOT SWERVE for ANIMALS. I dont see how someone could mistake a dog for a child. Furry and 4 legs vs.....well it is self explanatory.

Posted by: c,Carter on Oct 11, 2008 at 10:00 PM
all in all we just need to thank god that everyone was is ok things happens for a reason and im sure everyone was terrified in the incident but the out come is that everyone is ok

Posted by: INFO on Oct 11, 2008 at 05:01 PM
I was informed that bus drivers are taught to hit an animal if it runs in fron of a bus. I know that it is your instinct to avoid hitting the animal but when you are driving in a curve on a small road, hitting the dog would be the best judgement rather than risking not only the lives of children, but yours as well.

Posted by: INFO Location: Havelock on Oct 11, 2008 at 04:30 PM
The bus driver is doing fine. She was charged with a lane violation. Just as the kids, she was releaesd. I know that the accident could have happened to anyone, but the kids should be our first priority and now we have to think how this accident will affect them emotionally.

Posted by: Alison Location: Havelock on Oct 11, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Just so you know there is a taping system on this bus. I know because my son has been caught doing not so nice things on it. LOL! This driver is a wonderful person and she would never do anything intentionally to hurt these children. My heart goes out to her and me and my family, including the child who rides her bus, hopes that she is well.

Posted by: stunned Location: nc on Oct 11, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I am just STUNNED at the meanness of people on these WITN blogs! Is that all you to do all day is sit around and judge someone? Do not judge, lest you be judged! Saying what U would do in this situations becomes another matter when U ARE in this situaton. My husband IS a professional semi driver and has been for most of 36 years, and yes, at times when with no warning, something has run in front of him, he has swerved, it is a natural instict. My heart goes out to this driver. U go out and drive a bus with 30-40 active kids on it and deal with traffic too. Guess U who are complaing wouldn't be ALL THAT either! We really need 2 adults on the busses. 1 to drive and 1 to keep order, so the driver can put all their attention on the road. I was told that the only time the tapes on the busses are pulled and looked at to see what's happeing for real on the bus is when a parent calls in with a complaint. Was told that the school system has no funds for monoriting tapes. MMMMM!I'm just sayin'

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 11, 2008 at 12:47 PM
marc bus drivers are not professional drivers. They are everyday normal people like you and me who needs a job. I know several people that applied for a bus drivers job and got it....no special training needed. Just pass the test!

Posted by: Tabatha on Oct 11, 2008 at 12:04 PM
to Parent: How do you know whether my children were or werent on the bus? I never said

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM
By the way the guy theyre interviewing(Caswell) owns the house that the dog ran from.

Posted by: Pete` Location: Harlowe on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM
We have not been able to find out about her yet, we talked to the teacher she assists yesterday before she went home and she had not yet heard from her so we have no idea how extensive her injuries are. If my kids were on the bus I would feel the same way, I know this is hard for some of you to believe but even if they were injured I would still feel the same. This is a risk you take if you have your kids ride the bus. I f you dont want the risk of someone injuring them drive them yourself and still be at risk. Stuff happens it could have been anybody.

Posted by: Tim Location: pitt on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:02 AM
True you maybe told to not hit an animal, but trained not to. What is training? Classroom, a little road driving. They don't run a dog or any animal out in front of you and say hit it. Your told not to swerve. but how about if it where a horse,cow, or 150# dog like my friend has(his dog does not run freely). I thank this driver who is willing to take the responsiblity of a bus driver(it is not always easy to find people who want this job). The other thing is about East Care. Thanks to the Professional care of the medical personal that were on the scene it was not needed and they made the right call to cancel it. This freed them up for other calls.

Posted by: marc Location: florida on Oct 11, 2008 at 09:18 AM
A Bus driver is a "professional driver". Amateur (most of us) drivers probably would swerve on instinct. But a true "professional" would not and should not. The bus driver is responsible and was very fortunate that this accident was not worse than it was. Suspend the driver until completion of an adequate driving course is completed and formally reprimand. The school should get ready for some litigation. Schools are charged with the education and safety of our children. They failed.......give them an "F". All schools.....install seat belts NOW.

Posted by: Parent Location: Havelock on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:10 AM
This message is for Pete and Tabitha. You said that your children ride that bus, how would you feel as parents, if they where on the bus at the time of the accident.

Posted by: marianne Location: Trenton NC on Oct 11, 2008 at 07:22 AM
I 2 am a school bus driver for nc and dogs running loose play a huge factor in accidents and ALMOST accidents. ive had to ride 2 1 side or another not to hit them! TIE UR DOGS UP.PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Alison Location: Havelock on Oct 11, 2008 at 02:35 AM
For Pete: Is she ok? I had asked my son if he knew but he wasnt sure. I was really concerned about her injuries.

Posted by: Jaie Location: Martin County on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I am a bus driver for martin county schools and yes we are taught not to swerve for animals. To avoid an animal with a car is much easier than trying to avoid one with a bus. If you were to drive a bus, you would understand what i mean.

Posted by: Homer Location: New Bern on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:11 PM
If you listen to the video closely you will hear Chelsey Donavin say "when she swerved to hit a dog in the road." oops!

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Hey wanna be driver. Do you actually think that east care would have airlifted any of those kids out. Because as far as I know there isnt a dr. on the helicopter either moron. So whose gonna decide to airlift them. The paramedics on scene who triaged the children not the helicopter crew. All the personell on scene did a excellent job except for one of Harlowes finest traffic directors who is a know it all just like you pro.

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Yes they are trained to hit the animal. But if the dog darted in front of her as in 2-3 ft then in that split second she has to make out whether it is a dog or a child.

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Alright those of you against the teacher/driver. Put yourself in her shoes(that is if you actually have the cahoonas too). This lady loves kids so she decides to be a teacher and a bus driver. She is brave enough and loves kids enough to take there lives in her and Gods hands everyday those kids have school how many people would be able to do that. I would never be able to take care of and watch that many kids everyday. You think these bus drivers hate kids. Hell no they love them if they didnt they go insane the first day of driving. I can barely handle my 2 let alone 20-30. This lady is going to have to live with this the rest of her life please dont make it worse on her. If she for some reason looked on here and saw all these ugly comments it would destroy her. I understand maybe a suspension and at most defensive driving classes but she does not deserve to be fired. She has a family to support too im sure. So please just try and thinkl about how she feels. Please

Posted by: yeda Location: Ketchikan, Alaska on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:11 PM
I know it hard to do, however, bus drivers are trained to hit animals instead of the brakes. My heart goes out to the student and the driver.

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:40 PM
There has always been dogs running loose around his house. At least for the 13 yrs ive lived down here. I mean if you guys want me too ill post a sign pointing to his house so you can take your anger out on him and not the poor teacher/driver.

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:29 PM
My guess would be the house right beside the tire marks. That dog has ran out in front of me and my wife. I believe the owner of the dog should be held partially responsible.

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Thank you for calming down and understanding. Bot h my boys ride her bus but it never made it to us either. She is also my 5 yr olds assistant teacher. She is a very very nice lady and does not deserve the criticism she is receiving by people who have no idea about what there saying. This poor lady has to relive the wreck in her head every time she closes her eyes. Trust me I know what she is going through i have almost lost a 8yr old in the back of my ambulance. She will never forget this day. It could wind up ruining her career. I really hope that all parents who know her and whose children were on that bus understand and stand behind her. Before any responders arriveds she had all the children out of the bus and sitting down calmly waiting for the medics I arrived minutes after the wreck and she was as calm as can be taking care of her kids. Then after all had been transported and all the paperwork was finished she finally let the medics look at her. She did a excellent job!

Posted by: Jessica Location: Havelock on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Where was the dog's owner?? That's who is really at fault.

Posted by: Alison Location: Havelock on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:53 PM
After thinking about this accident and reading all of your posts, the driver of this bus did what she thought was best to do. What would any of us have done in her situation? My son rides this bus and she is a good driver. I will trust her again!

Posted by: sarah Location: newport nc on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:02 PM
yeah i was on that bus and it was scary! i didnt get hurt but it was horriable.

Posted by: feel bad Location: for the driver on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I am glad that all the children are okay, but at the same time, I really do feel badly for the driver. I am sure that she has had a really rough day, and is beating her ownself up. I am almost positive that she doesn't need everyone else doing it too!

Posted by: Pete Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Professional Driver!?!?!?!?!? Maybe in your own made up world. What., you drive a semi,maybe a fire truck or hey maybe just a car. No matter what training you have something runs out in front of you and you catch it out of the corner of your eye. Your GONNA swerve unless your drunk or on drugs. That bus stops on its way out of fishertown rd to pick up kids at the house the wreck happened near the driver may have thought it was one of the kids she did the best thing. If she had not swerved to miss the dog the dog could have gone under one of her front tires and caused her to lose control and could have gone straight into the woods. No one was at the seen other than myself(EMT) and other emt's and firefighters and police these are the only personell that have any idea about what happened.

Posted by: Tabatha Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:37 PM
The bus driver happens to be my son's assistant teacher. She is a sweet GOD loving woman. I think it is ridiculous how people are bashing her when they werent there. All of the students in the accident were released from the hospital with minor injuries. If anything everyone needs to thank GOD for the children surviving the accident with minor injuries.

Posted by: Professional Driver Location: Harlowe on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:14 PM
All Drivers know what should have been done. A mistake was made. Seat belts could have made it worse here. The last bus crash here went into the water and a student was the hero. Dogs are killed by vehicles here all the time and there is the problem, no animal control. Thankfully the kids only had minor injuries. Problem two: Who told the helicopter medical personel they were not needed. Was there a doctor on the scene. I did that once and regreted it. The injured person said he was ok, he wasn't. Let them do their jobs.

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:11 PM
"Mr. Know it all", what bus are you talking about? Your little toy schoolbus with imaginary kids on it? I'm not so sure you can define a kid's toughness by how many times they can endure being flipped over. They're not little Cabbage Patch kids on the Cabbage Patch truck, you know. By the way, I know (or at least hope) that you weren't being serious, but I just felt like saying that.

Posted by: HOTROD Location: Havelock on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:56 PM
No one died, so we feel sorry. Had someone died, we would have demanded answers. Its typical of this free world, "yes I fought for it", your welcome. With death comes circumstances, until then, yes the dog wins. I once had young children and never wished any bad on them. I also trusted those who provided for their care. "Sometimes things happen", its called life. We can train, provide guidance and hope we all make it to the other side 'Alive. Those young kids will talk about their experience for the rest of there lives. I thank you "God" for giving them that option.

Posted by: Ms. Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:30 PM
It's a shame that people are so quick to judge when they weren't there!EVERYONE is taught not to serve, but most of us do, the driver may had thought she could have serve to miss the animal, and not cause an accident. Many roads were wet this morning, the driver probably overcorrected. Where would you place the blame if you did the same thing driving your kids in the car? Just try to think before you blame another person!

Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY,NC on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Who owns the DOG?

Posted by: Ms Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Brent, I agree with your comment 100%. I'm sure the bus driver feels bad enough about what happened, give her a break people.

Posted by: Bea Location: Washington on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Mr. Knowitall made me laugh!!

Posted by: JD Location: New Bern on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:04 PM
To Mr. Knowitall, All children need love and comfort. Regardless of injury or not, I'm sure they are frightened. My daughter is only 5 and rides a bus to kindergarten. I know if she was in an accident, even if she wasn't hurt, it would've scared her. You need to have more compassion. Add a medal to the compassion for enduring several flips on your school bus back in the day! *yeah, right*

Posted by: LOL @ Mr. Knowitall! on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:02 PM
That right there is funny!

Posted by: chris Location: greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:49 PM
I hope she is fired from her job and never trusted to transport children again. She would rather swerve and flip a bus to avoid a da** DOG, than to just hit the dog??? What a lack of common sense she has! That would be like wanting to miss a squirell in the road and flipping a tanker truck with thousands of gallons of fuel in it! People are idiots!

Posted by: Mr. Knowitall on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:37 PM
I would have swerved too! These kids need to be a little tougher. Back in my day, my bus flipped all the time and we would have to roll it back over. AND we still made it to school before the tardy bell. Kids today, I tell ya....

Posted by: Sheila Location: Oregon on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I'm a school bus driver in Oregon and we are taught to not swerve to avoid hitting an animal as it could become something worse, such as the bus flipping over. It's so wonderful that none of the children on the bus were serverly hurt.

Posted by: Brent Location: New Bern on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:42 PM
I find it fascinating that some believe that just because you told not to swerve that you won't swerve; absolutely absurd. We are all told to not do many things that we do; drink before we're 21, speed, watch too much TV, eat too much. I am very thankful the students are OK, but have some compassion for the drive too. I promise you she has had a rough day. Here’s a question: who’s dog was it!?

Posted by: Marie Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:42 PM
This bus driver was extremely careless. 23 children had to go to the hospital as a result of this driver's reckless driving. I guess one dog is more important than a bus load of children. Thank God none of the children were seriously injured.I see dogs on the street all the time and it's because their owners are too lazy to walk their dogs on a leash.If faced with the same decision, that dog would be road kill right now.

Posted by: Uncle Slam on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Have they said what kind of animal it was? I am very thankful that bus driver did the right thing. She knew the children would be safe regardless. She needs a raise!

Posted by: DD on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I have swerved many times to keep from missing an animal. Like TIme said, it is simply instinct....you do it without thinking.

Posted by: Alison Location: havelock on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:10 PM
My child rides this bus and fortunatley he had not been picked up yet. I am very concerned that the driver would put our children at risk for a dog. They need seatbelts installed on these buses. This accident could have been a lot worse than what it was.

Posted by: OkieBird Location: OK on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Many of the injuries could have been prevented with seatbelts. Officials say busses are so safe they don't need seat belts but this accident proves they are needed, they are just expensive to retro-fit and it will be hard to get the kids to keep them on. They may have to hire another person on each bus just to monitor the children's safety belt use. I say, if they won't keep it fastened, kick them off the bus!

Posted by: ashley Location: atlanta on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:05 PM
yeah, that smart. think i'll endanger a busload of kids so that a squirrel will live to fight another day.

Posted by: Kenneth D Barnes Location: U.S. on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Everybody says they would not swerve to miss a animal, But if you have not been in that situation you can not say for sure. I work for a ambulance service,And have seen a lot of people do this, So don't judge!

Posted by: brian Location: greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I am glad to hear that no students were seriously injured. What kind of driver leaves the road to miss an animal? Can they not give a course on defensive driving or a SOP for when it is appropriate to leave the road or take evasive actions? Another reason why so many people opt to drive their children to school themselves.

Posted by: full time bus driver Location: bertie county on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:43 AM
We are told in our training as well to never swerve for animals that are in the road. That driver knew better than that

Posted by: Holly Location: Havelock on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM
This is why seatbelts should be installed and used on a school bus. If they are to be used in a car then a bus full of school children should definitely have seatbelts.

Posted by: Holly Location: Rky Mt on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Yes it true you should not swerve to avoid hitting an animal, but had that been a child in the road and she swerved what would be said then. As Tim stated it is instinct. I know my self that I have done it before.

Posted by: Tim Location: pitt on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:47 AM
yes you may be told or trained not to swerve but it is instinct to do it for most people

Posted by: sub driver Location: beaufort county on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:20 AM
We are told in our training to never swerve for an animal. I would hate to hurt an animal, but the children are more important. They could have been injured just to not injure an animal.

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