Authorities are investigating a bus crash that occurred Thursday morning on eastbound I-195 near Exit 35-B in Wall Township, New Jersey. A school bus carrying students from Communications High School collided with a GMC van shortly before 7:30 a.m., sending five people to the hospital. While the van driver escaped without injury, the bus driver and three passengers sustained minor injuries, and one student was hospitalized with more serious injuries.
When a school bus is involved in a crash—especially on a busy interstate—there are immediate questions about what went wrong. In my experience, these types of incidents often appear straightforward but can involve contributing factors that deserve close scrutiny.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Been a Factor?
One of the first things investigators should consider is whether either driver was distracted or fatigued at the time of the collision. Commercial vehicle drivers, including school bus operators, are required to maintain high levels of awareness, especially during early morning hours when fatigue is more likely to impair reaction time. Reviewing driver logs, cellphone records, and dash cam footage could help clarify whether inattentiveness played a role.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To understand the cause of the crash, investigators should examine on-board video systems, vehicle GPS data, and any eyewitness accounts from passengers. It’s also important to inspect the maintenance records for both vehicles, particularly the school bus, to rule out mechanical issues like brake failure or steering problems. They will also need to look at data from the Engine Control Module (ECM) of the bus to figure out what inputs the bus received before the crash.
Why a Full Investigation Is Critical
Any time someone is injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, it’s essential to dig deep into what led to the collision. Was the bus driver following proper protocols? Did the bus fail to yield or make an unsafe maneuver? In my experience, thorough investigations often uncover important details that might otherwise be missed—details that are crucial for understanding what happened and providing answers to those affected.