BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. — About two hours before a logging truck crashed into a school bus on Monday in Starke, the driver of the truck was pulled over for inspection, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) told First Coast News.
The truck driver, Shannon Ford, was pulled over around 12:15 p.m. in Nassau County, and the sheriff’s office asked the FHP to assist in the inspection, according to the news outlet. FHP Sgt. Dylan Bryan told First Coast News that an officer with FHP conducted an inspection of the truck and found a few safety violations but nothing that would put the vehicle out of service.
The bus that Ford crashed into hours later with the same truck was carrying 15 students from Starke Elementary School. Seven children and the bus driver were taken to the hospital, First Coast News reports. Charges are pending against Ford in the accident.
The Putnam County jail log shows Ford has been arrested at least 10 times in Putnam County dating back to 2005, according to First Coast News. Charges include grand theft, burglary, domestic violence and, most recently, shoplifting, though it does not appear he was convicted on all those charges. FHP told the news outlet that a naked woman in the truck was Sherry Ford, and Sgt. Bryan with FHP said he was told she is the truck driver's wife. FHP said she was also in the truck when it was inspected.
To read the full story, click here.
Truck driver pulled over hours before crash with school bus
About two hours before a logging truck crashed into a school bus and sent seven students and the driver to the hospital on Monday in Starke, Florida, Shannon Ford, the driver of the truck, was pulled over for inspection. An officer with the Florida Highway Patrol found a few safety violations but nothing that would put the vehicle out of service.
More Safety
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 →
Transportant Debuts First Full-Color Stop Arm Camera for School Buses
Transportant introduced a next-generation stop arm camera designed to improve image quality and reliability for documenting illegal school bus passings.
Read More →
3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers
Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.
Read More →
New Mexico District Receives $2.7M Grant to Expand Walking School Bus Programs
See how a federal grant will help Albuquerque Public Schools expand supervised walking routes and improve student safety.
Read More →
Florida Inventor Creates Retractable 10-Foot Stop-Arm
A newly developed school bus safety device introduces a retractable barrier designed to deter illegal passing during student loading and unloading.
Read More →