On Friday morning at about 7:35 a.m., a southbound passenger car driven by a 17‑year‑old resident of Fond du Lac County failed to stop for a stopped school bus on Lakeshore Drive near Subway Road in the town of Friendship. The bus, operated by Johnson School, had its red warning lights flashing and its stop arm extended while it waited for students to board.
Collision and immediate response
The teen driver struck the rear of the bus, causing a minor crash that prompted an immediate response from local emergency services. Both the driver of the passenger car and her juvenile passenger escaped injury, and all 35 students aboard the bus were reported uninjured. Several children were evaluated on‑scene by emergency medical personnel and were released without further treatment.
Legal action and road closure
Deputies from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office issued a citation to the teen driver for failure to stop for a stopped school bus and for following too closely. Lakeshore Drive was closed to traffic for roughly one hour while investigators documented the scene and cleared the roadway.
Safety reminder from authorities
The sheriff’s office used the incident as a reminder to motorists throughout the county to remain vigilant around school buses. Wisconsin law requires drivers to come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights and to stay stopped until the bus resumes motion or the lights are turned off. Ignoring these signals not only endangers children but also carries legal penalties.
Parents and community members are encouraged to discuss safe driving practices with their teens, emphasizing the importance of obeying school‑bus warning signals. Local schools and law‑enforcement agencies often collaborate on educational campaigns to reinforce these rules, especially during the busy morning commute.
While this particular crash resulted in no injuries, it serves as a stark reminder that even brief lapses in attention can lead to dangerous situations on our roads. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor traffic safety and will enforce state laws to protect students and the broader community.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
