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Bus Driver To Be Cited In Crash That Hurt 3 Students

Photo by CHRIS URSO / The Tampa Tribune

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 18, 2007

Updated: 10/18/2007 02:15 pm

More Information: Another Bus Crash Occurred In Lakeland

Local School Bus Incidents Database

GIBSONTON - A school bus heading to East Bay High School and a Nissan pickup were involved in a crash at 6:54 a.m. today on U.S. 41 at Gibsonton Drive.

Three students and the pickup's driver were injured, authorities said.

One student was taken to Brandon Regional Hospital by emergency personnel, and two were taken to the hospital by parents, authorities said. None of the students had life-threatening injuries.

The Nissan driver, Susan Grantham, 60, of Clearwater, had serious injuries and was transported to Tampa General Hospital, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokesman Ray Yeakley said.

The bus driver, Mary Lipphardt, 52, or Ruskin, will be cited with a right-of-way violation, authorities say. Records show that she has been convicted of a dozen traffic violations since 1988.

The bus was carrying about 15 students ranging in age from 14 to 15 west on Gibsonton Drive, and the pickup was southbound on 41. The bus entered the intersection and tried turning left on U.S. 41, crossing the truck's path, a Florida Highway Patrol news release states.

The front of the pickup hit the right side of the bus, and both vehicles came to rest on U.S. 41, according to the release. The 1995 bus had $5,000 damage, and damage to the pickup was estimated at $10,000.

According to New York state motor vehicle records, from March 25, 1988, through May 29, 2006, Lipphardt was convicted of 12 traffic violations, including one for making an improper turn. She also was cited for failing to stay in a proper lane, having no or an improper child restraint device, disobeying the instructions of public safety officers, speeding, following too closely, failure to obey traffic sign or devices and seat belt violations.

Lipphardt has a valid bus driving endorsement, according to motor vehicle records.

East Bay's school day starts at 7:30 a.m. Students involved in the crash were transferred to another bus and arrived at school shortly after 8 a.m.

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