Stillwater student struck by car after exiting school bus

STILLWATER — At 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, Stillwater Police responded to an injury accident involving a car and pedestrian at Miller Avenue and Husband Street.

The pedestrian was a 15-year-old high school student who had just exited a school bus and was crossing Miller Avenue in front of the bus. The bus was stopped on Miller facing east with its red flashing loading lights and stop sign activated.

The driver of the car, Thao Hoang of Stillwater, was traveling westbound on Miller approaching the bus when she struck the student. The student sustained head and trunk injuries. He was transported to Stillwater Medical Center by LifeNet ambulance and later transferred to an Oklahoma City hospital for further treatment of his head injuries. He is still in the hospital at this time. Ms. Hoang was cited for passing a stopped school bus and inattentive driving.

In light of this incident and injury, we need to remind everyone again how crucial it is to stop for a school bus with its stop sign and loading lights activated and flashing. Please watch this video on school bus safety and the law, and reach out to us if you have questions about what is required from drivers when approaching a stopped school bus. Our children’s safety is too important.