According to the Portage Police, during the last ten days, there have been three motor vehicle accidents involving Portage Township School buses, none of which were the fault of the bus drivers.The first occurred on September 6th on Crisman Road. The bus was in the southbound lane and stopped for a passing train. The motorist immediately behind the bus was also stopped, but had fallen asleep and let his foot slip off the brake causing his vehicle to strike the bus from behind. There were no injuries or damage.The second occurred on September 11th on Airport Road. The bus was stopped in the southbound lane at Viking Avenue for student pick-up when it was rear-ended. The suspect vehicle fled the scene, but was arrested a short time later. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.The third occurred Monday, September 16th, on McCool Road in front of Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Community. A PTS bus and passenger car collided as a result of actions by the driver of the passenger car. There were reported minor injuries and the driver of the passenger vehicle received multiple citations.In light of these accidents, Mayor Cannon has directed police to deploy additional patrols during arrival and dismissal times of Portage Township Schools while buses are on the roadways. Police ask motorists to always remember these three important rules of the road:
- Yield to school buses when their stop arm is activated
- Refrain from anything that will distract your focus while driving
- Obey the speed limits
PPD said they will continue to actively enforce traffic laws, especially when it comes to the safety of our children, and ask that the public be cognizant of their surroundings when traveling.