A collision between a school bus and a medical transport van early Wednesday morning in Medford, New Jersey left both drivers injured. According to police, the crash happened around 6:20 a.m. on Hartford Road. The van overturned, ejecting the 30-year-old male driver into the rear compartment. He was flown to Cooper University Hospital with lower-body injuries. The 34-year-old school bus driver was taken to Virtua Mount Holly Hospital with an arm injury. Authorities confirmed that no students were on board the bus at the time of the crash.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving commercial vehicles like medical transport vans and school buses, I think about whether driver distraction, fatigue, or mechanical issues played a role. These vehicles have a responsibility to operate with extra caution due to the nature of their passengers and the work they perform.
Was Either Driver Fatigued or Distracted?
Commercial drivers—especially those working early morning shifts—may be at a higher risk for fatigue-related crashes. Investigators should examine the work schedules of both drivers to determine whether fatigue could have been a factor. Additionally, distraction from onboard devices, GPS navigation, or radio communications can reduce reaction time and contribute to collisions. Reviewing cell phone records, dashcam footage, and witness statements could provide insight into whether distraction was involved.
Did Mechanical Issues Contribute to the Crash?
Commercial vehicles require frequent maintenance checks to ensure their brakes, steering, and tires are in proper working order. Investigators should examine the maintenance records of both the medical transport van and the school bus to determine if any mechanical defects, such as brake failure or steering issues, contributed to the crash. Given that the van overturned, its stability, weight distribution, and tire condition should also be closely reviewed.
Evidence That Should Be Examined
To fully understand the crash, authorities should analyze Engine Control Module (ECM) data from both vehicles, which could reveal speed, braking activity, and steering input leading up to the impact. Reviewing surveillance footage, driver logs, and potential eyewitness accounts will also be crucial in determining the sequence of events and whether either driver attempted to avoid the collision.
Why a Complete Investigation Is Important
For the injured drivers and their families, getting clear answers about what led to this crash is essential. Whether the cause was driver fatigue, distraction, or mechanical failure, a thorough investigation will help determine if this incident could have been prevented. In my experience, these types of investigations often reveal critical details that aren’t immediately apparent, but they are crucial for understanding the full picture of what happened.