CHARLOTTE, NC — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools student was injured Tuesday morning after getting clipped by a vehicle while crossing the street to board the school bus.
Officials say the bus was following standard safety procedures, with the crossing arm extended and lights flashing, when the accident happened at Kimberly Glen Road and Keyway Boulevard. The Cochrane Collegiate Academy student was grazed by a vehicle’s mirror and transported with minor injuries, according to police.
The driver of the vehicle did remain on scene. Officials have not released their identity, or any information on possible charges at this time.
The principal at Cochrane Collegiate Academy sent a message to parents following the incident:
“This is principal Corn calling with an update because I believe it is important that you have the facts about a matter you may see on the news today about our Cochrane school community. This morning, one of our students was grazed by a vehicle mirror while crossing a street to get to the bus, which had its crossing arm extended and lights on following standard safety procedures for bus stops. The student was transported to the hospital for medical attention. The incident is being investigated by CMPD. Our thoughts today are with the student and family for a quick return to school. Please remind family members, neighbors, co-workers and those around you of the importance of safe driving, watching out for our students and school buses each day, and maintaining focus on driving by staying off of cell phones and making sure that car windows are clear and ready for safe travel. Thank you for your support of the Cochrane community.”
CMS also released the following statement:
“Our kids need us to keep school bus stop safety top of mind across Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
The safety and well-being of students and staff are top priorities for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at all times. In the wake of a recent tragic accident leading to the loss of a young student and now this morning’s incident in which a student was grazed by a car while walking to a stopped school bus with safety arm out and lights on, CMS reminds drivers across the community that safety of students is a responsibility we all share.
Drivers and passengers in all vehicles should always be aware of and look out for students and school buses at bus stops and while in transit. Drivers should ensure their vehicles are ready for safe travel before travelling with windows clear and good visibility, should not text while driving, and should always be mindful that our community’s kids need us to be focused drivers to help keep them safe. The district will continue to work with students and drivers on school bus safety, and CMS asks parents to talk with their students, review school bus stop safety, look both ways before crossing streets and encourage caution every day.
CMS will work with law enforcement to support aggressive investigation of and maximum penalties for vehicle-related incidents that threaten the safety of students and staff.
The thoughts of all educators, staff and leaders of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are with the families and school communities affected by recent bus stop incidents and we call on the community to help keep all our students safe.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
