News Summary
A traffic collision occurred in Craven County when a pickup truck tried to pass a school bus in a no-passing zone, highlighting the dangers around school buses.
Greenville
A traffic collision occurred in Craven County, North Carolina, involving a school bus and a pickup truck on Thursday morning around 7:11 a.m.. The incident highlights the dangers associated with passing in no-passing zones, especially around school buses.
48-year-old Mauricio Bautista of Greenville was driving the pickup truck, which was towing a utility trailer when the crash took place on River Road near Western Lane. Bautista attempted to pass the school bus despite it being in a designated no-passing zone while the bus was executing a left turn.
At the time of the crash, multiple students were present on the school bus. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among them or the bus driver. Following the incident, Bautista was cited for improper passing by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Details of the Incident
The collision occurred during the morning rush, a period when student safety becomes even more critical as children are being transported to school. Reports indicate that Bautista’s actions created an unsafe situation, as he disregarded the no-passing signs and sought to maneuver around the bus while it was turning, increasing the risk of an accident.
Consequences of the Incident
Bautista’s citation emphasizes the legal repercussions of violating traffic laws, particularly those aimed at ensuring the safety of students. The citation was issued in accordance with traffic regulations that protect school children during their transit.
The Importance of Adhering to Traffic Laws
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obeying traffic laws, especially in the vicinity of school buses. School buses are equipped with specific safety measures, such as stop-sign arms and flashing lights, to protect children as they enter and exit the vehicle. Passing a school bus while it is making a turn or has its signals activated is not only illegal but poses significant risks to children’s safety.
Background on School Bus Safety
The rules governing school bus operations are intended to create a safe environment for children. Violations such as improper passing in no-passing zones can lead to serious accidents and potentially fatal injuries. As children are often unpredictable in their behaviors, drivers are reminded to remain vigilant and patient while on the road, particularly around school zones and when school buses are present.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continuously advocates for road safety and urges drivers to be aware of their surroundings and adhere to traffic signs and signals. By doing so, drivers can help ensure the safety of school children and minimize the risk of accidents like the one that occurred in Craven County.
This incident adds to the stats that reflect the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety on roads frequented by school buses, reinforcing the need for awareness and adherence to traffic laws to protect young passengers.
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Additional Resources
- WCTI: Greenville Man Cited for Improper Passing
- WITN: Driver Cited After Collision with School Bus
- WNCT: School Bus Collision in Craven County
- New Bern SJ: Officials Say Distraction Caused School Bus to Overturn
- WLOS: SUV Gets Wedged Underneath School Bus
- Wikipedia: School Bus Safety
- Google Search: Traffic Safety
- Google Scholar: School Bus Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus
- Google News: School Bus Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
