Polk County School Bus Driver Resigns

A Polk County school bus driver resigned Wednesday following an early morning crash the previous day. Frederick McClellan had a history of crashes during his time as a driver.

According to WFLA, this was McClellan’s third crash since joining the district in February 2016. The first two crashes were from “improper turns.” He was ordered to take a defensive driving course after the second crash.

Hospital personnel said more students ended up coming to the hospital following the Tuesday morning crash.

The Polk County School District released this statement:

“Mr. McClellan no longer has driving duties for Polk County Public Schools. He has resigned from his position as bus driver effective today. Following yesterday’s accident, he was placed on administrative leave so an internal review could take place. An accident review committee has determined that he should no longer be a bus driver for Polk County Public Schools. Mr. McClellan can apply and be considered for reassignment to another position within the school district. However, the position will not involve driving Polk County Public Schools vehicles.”

Parents should contact Polk County School District’s Risk Management Department at (863) 519-3858 if they have claims.

Original Story:

LAKELAND, Fla.- Early Tuesday morning a Polk County school bus was involved in a crash in Lakeland. The crash sent four people, three of which were students, to the hospital.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 6:25 a.m. at Swindell Road and Galloway Road. The incident took place while a 1994 Chevrolet pickup was traveling southbound on Galloway Road and the school bus was traveling eastbound on Swindell Road.

While traveling along Swindell Road the school bus came to a stop sign and stopped, but then proceeded through the intersection. FHP says the school bus entered the path of the pickup truck driving through the intersection, causing the front of the truck to crash into the left side of the school bus.

There was 20 students on the school bus at the time. They were being transported to Kathleen High School. Three students and the driver of the pickup truck were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. They are expected to recover.

Parents of the students that were being transported on the bus were notified of the accident. Shortly after the incident another school bus arrived to the scene to take the remaining students to school.

The driver of the school bus, whose name has not yet been released, was cited for violation of right-of-way. FHP is still investigating the accident at this time.

The accident caused roadblocks in the northbound lanes. According to WFLA, the scene had been cleared by 8:45 a.m.