Skilled driver prevents injuries in southern Alberta school bus crash

Fire destroys two pig barns near Leroy Sask. on Saturday, June 18. (Courtesy: discoverhumboldt.com)

RCMP in southern Alberta are applauding the efforts of a school bus driver who managed to keep the vehicle upright following a highway crash, preventing a number of students from being injured.

Police in Turner Valley were called to a crash between a school bus and SUV on Highway 22 at 240 Street West at about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday.

The bus from the Foothills School Division was travelling eastbound on the highway when it tried  to make a left turn and was hit by an SUV that attempted to overtake a line of vehicles that had slowed for the bus.

There were about a dozen students on the bus at the time and the driver had to take action to ensure the bus did not roll as it was pushed into the ditch.

Police say the sound judgement and reaction of the driver likely prevented the students from being injured.

The driver of the SUV has been charged with attempting to overtake when unsafe in accordance with the Use of the Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations.