Paramus, NJ — December 18, 2024, three people were injured in a truck accident at about 11:30 a.m. on State Route 17.

Authorities said a school bus from Becton Regional High School crashed into a semi-truck while changing lanes as the road passed under the Garden State Parkway. The truck suffered a minor fuel leak in the crash.

The bus driver and two students were taken to a local hospital after the crash for treatment of minor injuries, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any more information about the accident.

The crash remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

In a crash like this, the primary focus is determining how and why the vehicles collided during a lane change. Incidents like this require a detailed examination of driver actions, road conditions and the vehicles involved to establish what went wrong and how similar accidents might be prevented in the future.

Investigators should determine which vehicle initiated the lane change and whether it was done safely. Did the school bus driver signal properly and ensure the lane was clear before attempting the maneuver? Was the semi-truck traveling at an appropriate speed and maintaining a safe following distance? Dashcam footage, if available, or witness statements could provide clarity on these points.

The crash occurred as the road passed under the Garden State Parkway, which may introduce additional factors such as reduced visibility, narrow lanes or abrupt changes in traffic patterns. These conditions could make lane changes more hazardous, particularly for larger vehicles like school buses and semi-trucks.

As the operator of a vehicle carrying minors, the school bus driver is held to a higher standard of care. Investigators should examine whether the driver was adequately trained, alert and following best practices for defensive driving. Additionally, authorities should assess whether the bus driver was distracted or under pressure to adhere to a schedule.

The semi-truck driver’s behavior and vehicle operation will also be scrutinized. Was the truck driver maintaining proper awareness of surrounding traffic? Did the driver react appropriately to the bus’s movements? The truck’s engine control module (ECM) could provide useful data on its speed, braking and steering inputs before the crash.

Authorities should assess the conditions of State Route 17 at the time of the crash. Was the road surface wet or icy? Was traffic unusually heavy or congested? Such factors could have influenced both the bus driver’s decision-making and the truck driver’s ability to respond.

Two students on the bus sustained injuries, which raises questions about the adequacy of safety measures onboard. Were the students wearing seat belts, if available, and did the bus’s design or condition contribute to the injuries? Authorities should consider whether additional safety features or practices might help reduce injuries in future crashes.

This crash underscores the challenges of navigating high-traffic areas where large vehicles must share the road. It also highlights the importance of rigorous training and safety protocols for operators of school buses and semi-trucks. If road design or traffic patterns contributed to the crash, those factors may warrant further review.

A thorough investigation into this incident should focus on gathering evidence about driver behavior, road conditions, and the safety systems of both vehicles. The goal is not only to determine accountability but also to identify opportunities for improving safety practices to prevent future collisions involving school buses and commercial trucks.