Paulding County, OH (November 26, 2024) – Four people, including students and the driver from Cloverdale, were injured in a crash on Monday morning when a driver failed to yield to a stopped school bus and subsequently struck a student in a road crossing. The incident occurred on County Rd 209 in Auglaize Township.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that Jennifer Burgei, 26, was driving when she failed to stop for a bus that had its lights flashing to indicate that children were crossing the road. Following the failure to yield, Burgei drove off the left side of the road and collided with the bus.
Burgei and the three students involved, two of whom were on the bus, were all taken to ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, the injuries sustained in the crash are not believed to be life-threatening. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Our thoughts are with those involved in the accident, and we hope for their full recovery.
School Bus Accidents in Ohio
Accidents involving school buses are particularly concerning, as they often involve young children who are vulnerable to injury. This crash in Auglaize Township serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following traffic laws, especially in school zones where children are present. The fact that Jennifer Burgei failed to yield to the bus is especially troubling, as it highlights a critical safety issue that can easily lead to serious harm to children.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is actively investigating the crash to determine the full details of what led to the accident. In many cases like this, a failure to stop for a school bus can have severe consequences, as children crossing the road are at great risk. Authorities remind all drivers to remain alert and stop when a school bus is flashing its lights and has its stop sign extended.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the need for drivers to remain vigilant at all times, especially when traveling through residential areas or near schools. The safety of children should always be a priority, and this accident underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws to prevent further harm.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar accident, it’s crucial to seek professional advice to understand your rights and potential next steps. Local Accident Reports is committed to helping those affected by accidents navigate the legal and recovery processes with valuable insights and resources.