PORT TOWNSEND — A collision involving an empty school bus on Upper Sims Way forced traffic to be diverted for about a half-hour Monday morning.
Ben Harvey,cq a 2008 Port Townsend High School graduate now living in White City, Ore., was heading south at about 9 a.m. when the SUV he was driving collided with the Port Townsend School District bus driven by Roberta Meyer, police said.
The collision severely damaged the front end of his 2001 Dodge Durango, and the frame of the small yellow bus was damaged.
No children were in the 16-passenger bus at the time.
After the collision, Harvey went up to the bus to check on the driver’s condition and realized that he knew Meyer.
“She drove me to school for five years and is now my little brother and sister’s bus driver,” Harvey said.
“She recognized me, and I asked her how she was, and she said she was fine.”
Nevertheless, Meyer was taken to Jefferson Healthcare hospital, where she was treated for minor back and neck injuries, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesman Bill Beezley.
Harvey said he had looked away to put an energy drink can in the cup holder, after which time he saw the stopped bus and hit the brakes.
The brakes locked up and did not respond and he collided with the bus’ rear end.
Harvey was cited for following too closely, according to Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green.cq
Harvey said that he was “a little shaky” after the crash, which he said was his first.
“I am going to school to become a commercial truck driver,” he said.
“This could put a dent into that.”
Harvey said the Durango belongs to his fiancee, who was planning to trade it in.
“We just got our tax refund so that should help a little bit.” he said.
After the collision, Port Townsend Schools Superintendent Gene Laes cqand a transportation crew arrived on the scene to assess the damage.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
