Bus in fatal N.J. crash ‘inched past’ stop sign, NTSB says

The agency’s ongoing investigation into the Feb. 16 accident involving a school bus and a dump truck reveals that the bus reportedly went past the stop sign because of bad sight lines. Investigators have found that at some locations at the intersection where the crash occurred, the line of sight was obstructed due to “environmental features,” and NTSB’s chief investigator says that possible improvements are being studied.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

February 28, 2012

1 min to read

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said on Friday that its ongoing investigation into the fatal Feb. 16 crash involving a school bus and a dump truck at an intersection has revealed that the bus “inched past a stop sign because of bad sight lines,” The Inquirer reports.

As SBFrecently reported, the school bus was transporting 25 students to an elementary school when the dump truck struck the driver’s side rear of the bus at an intersection. The impact of the crash caused the bus to strike a pole.

One student was killed in the accident, and numerous others sustained injuries.

NTSB chief investigator Peter Kotowski said that the school bus driver stated to investigators that he never saw the truck approaching the intersection, and that investigators found that "at some locations, the line of sight was obstructed due to environmental features of the intersection," according to The Inquirer.

The obstructions were not specified, but investigators have reportedly observed other drivers going past stop signs to see clearly. Kotowski noted that possible improvements — such as additional warning signs — were being studied.

To read the full story, click here.

Topics:fatalities New Jersey NTSB school bus crash Safety

More Safety

A close up detail of the back of a school bus with text reading "Insight From 10 Years of NHTSA Data."

Safety•by Elora Haynes•July 22, 2026

NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes

The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.

Safety•by Amanda Huggett•July 21, 2026

2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing

New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.

Safety•by Staff and News Reports•July 9, 2026

Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York

A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.

School buses at NSTA's SBDISC Roadeo with text reading "School Bus Drivers Put Their Skills to the Test."

Safety•by Staff and News Reports•June 30, 2026

NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners

Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.

The Driver Shortage Playbook

Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.