Filer, ID — February 21, 2025, one person was injured in a bus accident at about 5:20 p.m. at 2500 East and U.S. Route 30.
Authorities said a school bus was traveling north on 2500 East when it apparently ran a stop sign at the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and crashed into a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee near Filer High School.
The 36-year-old woman who was driving the SUV was hospitalized with undisclosed injuries after the crash, according to authorities.
The school bus was not transporting any students at the time of the crash.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Twin Falls County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a crash involves a school bus allegedly running a stop sign, the immediate question that comes to mind is: How does something like that happen? Professional drivers — especially those responsible for transporting children — are held to a higher standard than the average motorist. Failing to stop at an intersection isn’t just a minor mistake; it’s a fundamental failure in safe driving.
The first thing investigators need to determine is whether this was driver error or if something else contributed. Was the driver distracted or fatigued? Were they in a rush for some reason? Did they simply misjudge the intersection? These are all basic questions that should be answered before anyone assumes this was just an accident.
Beyond that, investigators should also look at potential mechanical issues. School buses, like all commercial vehicles, require regular inspections and maintenance. Were the brakes working properly? Was there an issue with visibility, like glare from the sun or obstructions near the intersection? While it’s rare, I’ve seen cases where poor maintenance or environmental factors played a role in crashes that initially seemed like driver error.
Then there’s the matter of training and oversight. School bus drivers operate under strict rules and regulations. Were those followed here? Did the driver have a history of violations? Was there anything in their training — or lack thereof — that could explain what happened? If this wasn’t just a one-time lapse but part of a pattern of unsafe driving, then the responsibility doesn’t stop with the driver; it extends to the school district or bus company that put them behind the wheel.
Thankfully, no students were on board at the time of the crash. But that doesn’t make the issue any less serious. A school bus running a stop sign is something that should never happen, and if there were preventable factors involved, those need to be addressed before something like this happens again, possibly with far worse consequences.
