Watertown – A Clayton man is facing multiple traffic tickets after striking the back of a South Jefferson school bus, causing it to roll over on I-81.
According New York State Police there were 4 passengers on the small South Jefferson School District bus, two students, a driver and one student aid. The accident occurred at approximately 4 p.m.
First responders said a 2008 Saab was traveling at high speeds when it struck the back of the school bus, causing it to loose control and propel off the right side of the roadway. The school bus ended in a northerly direction, overturned onto the driver’s side.
The two South Jefferson students, a boy and girl under the age of 12, were treated for minor injuries at Samaritan Medical Center following a roll over accident on I-81.
The male student was treated for a minor abrasion to his leg and was released to his parents at Samaritan Medical Center. The female student sustained no injury, and was released from the hospital to her grandmother.
School bus driver, Norman L. Roof, 68 of Copenhagen, was transported to a Watertown area urgent care center for a precautionary medical examination. Transportation aide Brittiny Hagelin, 23 of Henderson, was transported to Samaritan Medical Center with hip and lower back pain.
The driver of 2008 Saab, David Podkowka, 29, of Clayton was treated at the scene by medical personnel for an abrasion to his leg, and declined any further medical attention.
Podkowka was issued tickets for Imprudent Speed, Following Too Closely, and Moving from Lane Unsafely.
Sergeant McDermott says the accident could have been much worse had the bus driver not taken necessary safety precautions. Both children were wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident and while removing the students from a potentially dangerous accident scene, used all the correct protocols.
For more information, and to hear from Sergeant McDermott at the scene, watch the complete video story.
Previously reported:
Watertown -- Two South Jefferson students, approximately 10 years of age, are being treated for minor injuries following a school bus roll over accident on I-81.
According New York State Police there were 4 passengers on the small South Jefferson School District bus, 2 students a driver and 1 student aid. The accident occurred at approximately 4 p.m.
First responders said a 2008 Saab was traveling at high speeds when it struck the back of the school bus, causing it to swerve loose control and overturn.
The drivers name has not been released, but according to Sergeant Brian McDermott, the driver is facing charges of reckless driving and excessive speeding.
Sergeant McDermott says the accident could have been much worse had the bus driver not taken necessary safety precautions. Both children were wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident.
The investigation is continuing.
