Lakeland, FL : Polk County bus driver resigns after third crash on Wednesday September 14 2016

A bus driver for the Polk County School District resigned after being in three crashes while operating a school bus, district officials said.

Frederick McClellan, 66, of Lakeland resigned Wednesday in lieu of termination, said Jason Geary, spokesman with Polk County Public Schools.

"Mr. McClellan no longer has driving duties for Polk County Public Schools," the School District said in a news release.

McClellan, who was hired as a substitute bus driver Dec. 14, became a full-time driver Feb. 1 with a $12 hourly wage.

An accident review committee determined he should no longer be a bus driver for Polk schools, but said he can apply and be considered for reassignment to another position within the district.

"However, the position will not involve driving Polk County Public Schools vehicles," the statement said.

McClellan was cited for a crash Tuesday for violating the right of way of another vehicle at Swindell Road and Galloway Road, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Daniel John Ferrer, 25, of Lake Wales, was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with injuries he received in the crash and three of 20 children on the bus were treated by Polk County Fire Rescue for minor injuries, said Kevin Watler, PCFR spokesman.

The crash occurred when McClellan stopped on Swindell Road by the stop sign at the Galloway intersection with a bus full of students heading to Kathleen High School, reports said.

The bus turned left to head north on Galloway and into the path of Ferrer's 1994 Chevrolet pickup.

McClellan was involved in two other accidents on April 8 and April 19, states a letter from Don Stephenson, supervisor of Safety and Vehicle Services at the School District and chairman of the accident committee. The committee determined both involved improper turns.

McClellan was required to complete an online safety course within 90 days as well as a retraining class following the two crashes.

Bus drivers receive 40 hours of classroom training and up to 16 hours of road training, Geary said.


Source :
Polk County bus driver resigns after third crash