Driver Hits Student Getting Off School Bus On Route 9 In Ocean County: Police

LAKEWOOD, NJ — An 18-year-old student was hit by a car on Route 9 Wednesday evening when the driver ignored the flashing stop lights of a school bus, Lakewood police said Thursday.

The student sustained a head injury that authorities said was not life-threatening, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said. As a precaution he was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment and further evaluation, Staffordsmith said.

The student was hit just after 10 p.m. Lakewood Officer Felix Rivera learned the school bus was going south on Madison Avenue — also known as Route 9 — and the bus driver activated the flashing red lights and stopped at the corner of Courtney Road, Staffordsmith said.

The student got off the bus and began crossing Route 9, in front of the bus, Staffordsmith said. As he cleared the bus, he was hit in the passing lane by a 2020 Acura driven by a 24-year-old Howell man who was also southbound, Staffordsmith said.

The investigation found the Howell man did not stop for the flashing red lights, and he received several motor vehicle summonses, Staffordsmith said.

A field sobriety test was conducted and determined the Howell man was not impaired. Police did not release his name.