9-year-old struck by car passing school bus
The boy was dragged 80 feet and knocked unconscious when he was hit by a car while crossing the street on Tuesday in Lakewood, New Jersey.
A boy was dragged about 80 feet by a car that was passing his school bus as he crossed the street.
LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A 9-year-old boy was knocked unconscious and injured when he was struck by a car passing his school bus here on Tuesday, authorities said.
The incident happened around 5 p.m., after the boy left the bus and was crossing the street. Investigators said that the bus had its warning stop lights activated, but a 2004 Nissan Sentra drove by and struck the boy, dragging him about 80 feet through an intersection.
Police and EMS were dispatched to the scene. The unconscious boy was transported to a hospital, where he was treated for various injuries, including head injuries.
The Ocean County Prosecutors Office identified the Nissan driver as Michael Adler, 26, of Lakewood. Adler has been charged with reckless driving and failure to stop for a school bus. He consented to a blood draw, which was conducted at a medical center.
Authorities said that the ongoing investigation will determine whether additional charges are warranted.
More Safety
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.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
Florida District Relaunches BusPatrol School Bus Camera Program With New Safeguards
After being suspended over due process concerns, Miami-Dade schools and law enforcement are restarting the AI-powered stop-arm camera program with new oversight.
Read More →
School Bus Laws To Watch: Seat Belt Bills, Funding Fights & EV Changes
From national bills on seat belts and driver oversight to driver awareness campaigns referencing “Finn’s Rule” and ongoing transportation funding debates in Alaska, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →