NORTHAMPTON — A motor vehicle accident involving a young child who was struck by a car illegally passing a stopped school bus has raised concerns about safety with one city resident.
According to a police report, at 3:42 p.m. on Wednesday a 7-year-old girl was struck by a car passing a stopped school bus with its red stop lights flashing on Park Hill Road near the intersection of Autumn Drive in Florence.
The school bus driver was signaling to a resident of 95 Autumn Drive to assist a child crossing the street. The driver of the other vehicle interpreted the signal as the driver waving her to go around. Going around the bus, she struck the girl with the front right corner of her vehicle and passenger side mirror as she w
as crossing the street, spinning the child around.
The girl remained upright after being hit and ran to 95 Autumn Drive. She was then transported to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, where police interviewed her and reported that she appeared not to have serious injuries. Photographs of her injuries were taken.
The driver of the vehicle was issued a citation for passing a bus with its signal lights on. It has been reported that the driver was in tears following the accident.
In the public comment period of at Thursday’s City Council meeting, Northampton resident Sam Hopper raised the incident when airing her concerns about driving in Northampton. The mother of a 6-year-old, she said that eight cars have illegally passed the school bus her daughter rides at its stop on South Street over the last 15 days of school.
“It’s far too many,” she said.
Speaking to the accident on Park Hill Road, she said that it should be seen as a “wake-up call.”
“I am so sick of watching people abuse their privilege of driving,” she said, noting the issues of people driving too fast and distracted driving.
She noted that it is illegal to pass a bus with its red lights on and stop sign out in all 50 states.
Hopper also said that she was seeking input and asking for help on the issue, saying that she’s been working with some city councilors and that the police chief has been very helpful on the matter.
“We just need to do more to raise awareness,” she said.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.