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.
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.
More Safety

Autonomous Vehicles Aren’t Built for Student Transportation [Op-Ed]
Driverless cars may feel the future, but student transportation requires more than navigation. Here’s why it demands human judgment, empathy, and oversight.
Read More →
New York Girl Killed by School Bus Hit & Run
An 11-year-old in Brooklyn was killed crossing the street. Meanwhile, the school bus driver faces misdemeanor charges after he left the scene.
Read More →
Disaster Readiness Starts Before the Storm [Call for Experts]
The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.
Read More →
How Supplemental Transportation Helps Close Driver Gaps
Ongoing driver shortages nationwide are forcing tough transportation decisions. See how districts are using supplemental transportation to maintain coverage for high-needs students.
Read More →
New York 5-Year-Old Killed by School Bus, Investigation Ongoing
A Rockland County child was struck by their school bus late last week. Here's what we know so far about this and other fatalities and injuries in the area over the years.
Read More →
Prevent School Bus Dragging Incidents: Anti-Pinch Door Sensors and Maine’s New Mandate
As Maine becomes one of the first states to require anti-pinch door sensors on new school buses, manufacturers like Mayser offer a look at how the technology works and why it's a critical fail-safe.
Read More →
8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations
What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.
Read More →
Survey: Most Parents Want Automated Enforcement on School Buses
A recent Verra Mobility survey reports that 82% of parents support safety cameras to penalize stop-arm violators and 70% favor automated enforcement in school zones.
Read More →
State Grant Program Advances School Bus Safety Upgrades Across Ohio
$10 million in state grants will fund safety upgrades and new features on school buses serving students across the Buckeye State.
Read More →
Waymo Scrutiny Intensifies as NTSB Launches Investigation
After complications in multiple cities when self-driving taxis failed to stop for school buses, the NTSB joins NHTSA in a probe to determine what's behind the tech and related safety concerns.
Read More →
