CULLMAN, Ala. – A Cullman County Schools bus was damaged Saturday, June 7, when tree limbs fell during severe weather. The bus was set to be used for the system’s annual Summer Learning Camp, which began Monday, June 9, but no one was on or near the vehicle when the incident occurred.
According to Cullman County Schools Media Communications Specialist Ty Watwood, the bus was in Holly Pond when it was damaged. The bus had been pre-positioned by its driver in preparation for transporting students to and from one of several elementary school campuses participating in the summer program. Unfortunately, the bus is part of the district’s newer fleet. But Watwood confirmed the damage was relatively minor, mainly affecting the roof and windows, and that the bus has already been sent to Birmingham for repairs.
“It’d been nice if it had been one of our older buses,” Watwood noted, “but thankfully, it’s not a major fix.”
The incident did not impact transportation plans. With only a portion of the district’s buses needed for summer learning, the transportation department was able to replace the damaged bus without disruption.
Watwood also took the opportunity to remind the community to be mindful of school buses on the roads over the next two weeks and to mind all school bus safety laws.
“People aren’t used to seeing buses out right now, but with camps in session, buses will be on the road during the morning hours and again between 1 and 2 p.m. when students are dismissed,” he said. “Please obey all traffic laws and watch for flashing lights.”
Alabama law states that school buses will flash amber lights in advance of a stop to warn other drivers. At an extended stop area, it is either to load or unload children. When approaching from either direction, motorists should stop 20 feet away when red flashing lights on a school bus are activated. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus while the stop arm is extended and lights are flashing, as it endangers the lives of children and others on the road.
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