Motorist rear-ends school bus

Feb 15, 2023

A motorist is expected to get a citation after rear-ending a school bus on Slocum Road Wednesday morning.

According to Dartmouth police, the crash was reported at around 7:30 a.m. near Dartmouth Middle School.

No injuries were reported among any students.

Upon arrival, officers identified that a 2009 Suzuki SX4, operated by a 21-year-old male from Everett, Massachusetts, had crashed into a school bus transporting students.

Both the 21-year-old and the driver of the school bus were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where they were evaluated and treated for minor injuries sustained as a result of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation, though police said the Suzuki driver is expected to get a citation. Under state law, “no person shall operate a motor vehicle within a distance of 100 feet behind a school bus” and drivers must travel 20 mph in a school zone.

Buses tend to make frequent stops and will begin indicating it with flashing lights at least 200 feet before actually stopping. Failing to stop or illegally passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights can result in a $250 fine.