On Monday, January 5th, Southold Fire Department was dispatched to a Signal 16/23 MVA on Route 48 in Peconic. Arriving units found a van containing two persons had been struck in the rear by another vehicle that also contained two persons. According to reports at the scene, the westbound van had stopped for a school bus in the eastbound lane that was discharging passengers. The vehicle behind the van failed to stop in time and collided with the van. Southold Fire Department transported two victims to Peconic Bay Medical Center and, with mutual aid from the Cutchogue Fire Department, transported the two occupants of the van to Eastern Long Island Hospital. None of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
For all involved, this accident is a reminder that drivers must stop for a school bus displaying its red lights, even when the bus is proceeding in a different direction on a dual lane highway separated by a median such as Route 48.
Photographs courtesy of Ex-Chief Byrnes.