3 students hurt in bus-car accident

MILLSTONE – A collision between a Millstone Township school bus and a resident’s vehicle left three Allentown High School students with minor injuries last week.

According to a state police report, the collision occurred on Millstone Road near Barc Lane at about 7:15 a.m. June 14. The school bus, driven by Sheryl Biddle, 40, of Halka Way, was sideswiped by a car driven by Robin Carrier, 40, of Stagecoach Road. Carrier had been traveling north along Millstone Road when her car crossed a double-yellow line into the southbound lane, into the side of the bus, the report states.

Police said three students and Carrier were transported to CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, where they were treated for minor injuries.

Biddle, who stated she was not injured, was transported to the medical center for observation.

The road was blocked off for about 25 minutes while other students who were riding on the bus waited for another school bus to pick them up. They were taken to the Millstone First Aid Squad building on Sweetman’s Lane where they were treated by school nurses.

Police said Carrier was charged with careless driving. She was released pending a court hearing.

"It should be noted the road was wet at the time of the accident from rain although it was not raining at the time of the accident," the report, written by Trooper Chuck Lowrey of the Hightstown Barracks, stated. "The posted speed is 40 mph with a suggested speed of 30 mph for the curve. Along with the 30 mph yellow sign, there is also a yellow warning sign: Slippery When Wet."

Millstone school district Business Administrator Brian Boyle said he believed all of the students involved have recovered from the accident. He said the bus is temporarily out of commission, but he expects it will be repaired shortly.

— Louis C. Hochman