Slick roads may have contributed to a two-vehicle crash involving a Batesville school bus Friday.
Authorities say a 17 year old juvenile was operating a 1998 Jeep Cherokee around 9:25 a.m. when he attempted to back out of private drive, however, police say the minor failed to yield and struck the bus as it drove by.
The crash occurred on Evergreen Drive, near SR 229, south of Batesville.
“The juvenile told the deputy as he applied the brakes to stop and he slid on the ice and snow covered driveway and out into the roadway,” said Ripley County Sheriff Tom Grills.
A 14 year old passenger in the Jeep suffered a minor cut to his head, but was not transported to the hospital. He was released to a parent at the scene for treatment, Grills added.
There were no injuries reported at the scene for passengers on the school bus driven by Rhonda McQueen, 53, of Laurel. According to Batesville Community School Corporation bus route information, Batesville School Bus #2 was the vehicle involved.
The crash remains under investigation.
Police remind commuters to use extra caution in the inclement weather as road conditions and driveways remain hazardous.
