We Have a Deer and a Turkey, Why Not Add a Duck?

For those out there that are keeping track,we have heard about both a deer and a turkey crashing through school bus windshields. Well I'm writing today to let you know that we can now add a duck to that list of hitch hiking animals.

This time is was a bus on it's way to drop off at an elementary school. The driver recived a few scratches when the duck came through and nailed him in the chest, but the amazing thing is that the duck not only survived but way pretty much fine. A North Carolina Wildlife Resources officer came to get the duck soon after.

What a strange world we live in. I'll admit that this recent trend of wild animals attemping to ride the school bus has me thoroughly entertained.  That being said I'm curious about other animals that have done this or something similar. Leave me a comment to let me know of any you have seen or heard of.



Thank You,
Haleigh

School Buses are Fighting for Their Riders Saftey

Deltona Florida did something I think is truly amazing on this Wednesday, April 11th. The Sheriff's Department and the Volusia County school district teamed up in a county wide safety enforcement operation to ensure students are able to be transported safely. In one day, eight people were ticketed for passing a stopped school bus, 25 people were ticketed for speeding while another 40 people were ticketed for other miscellaneous violations. There was also someone who was driving with a suspended license. That's pretty impressive and extremely sad.

From my understanding of the article, (which can be read if you click on this post's title) the unmarked cars were placed in areas where school buses were active and reports of unsafe driving had been made. What I mean to say is that school buses are big and bright yellow making them very hard to miss so there is no excuse for not stopping, or no reason to drive carelessly around one. There are children on board or in the immediate area. Slow down, stop, and be aware of what is around you.

The goal was to educate the public. I would love to have our buses watched for a day and see what happens. Would we have as many violations of the law? Are there still people that are unaware that passing a stopped bus with re lights flashing and stop arm extended is illegal? What I want to know most though, is if the people who were stopped would pass again if the opportunity arises?

Thank You,

Haleigh

Boy Sets Bus on Fire by Flare

A 12 year-old boy set his school bus on fire during its route back in mid-march. It was just shy of 8:30 am when the boy ignited a marine flare resulting in the student-filled bus going up in flames. As soon as it went off, the bus started to fill with smoke and all the students and the driver were evacuated immediately. The students were stranded on the side of Chestertown Road (Route 20) for some time before help arrived.

Seven students were taken to Chester River Hospital and treated for minor smoke inhalation, while the other 21 were removed from the scene and brought to Chestertown Middle School. All treated students are fine, and were released immediately from the hospital. The school bus on the other hand is a complete loss with an estimated total of $45,000 in damages.

The boy who set the bus on fire has been charged with first and second degree arson, first and second degree malicious burning, bringing a deadly weapon on school property, carrying/transporting a handgun, disturbing the peace and 28 counts of reckless endangerment. It is a shame that one student's less-than-stellar idea can cause trouble to everyone around him.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Charged for Candy

Rules are made for a reason. Morgan Linder found that out the hard way last Thursday when he broke the rules and was arrested. The charge is the felony of throwing a deadly missile into an occupied vehicle. That sounds worse then it is to me but Linder's actions of throwing Jaw Breakers out the school bus window and  at the truck next to the bus fits the charge.

The woman in the truck suffered a contusion and followed the bus until she was able to speak with the driver. She also called 911 and waited with the bus until the police arrived. Surveillance footage from inside the bus showed that Linder was the culprit. Shortly after he was charged he was released to his parents since he is only 15-years-old. Still, fifteen is old enough to know better.

To all bus riders: NEVER put ANYTHING out your buses window!

Click here to read the original article.

Thank You,

Haleigh