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Driver's quick action prevents more serious bus crash

Driver, two students taken to hospital after crash.

The quick reaction of a school bus driver is credited with limiting injuries and damage during a collision on Highway 20.

The driver and two students in the bus were transported to hospital by ambulance suffering from minor injuries after the May 31 crash.

The 72 passenger school bus belonging to Red Deer Catholic School Division was southbound on Highway 20 when it collided with an SUV which crossed the Aspelund Road in front of it.

The bus driver was able "to slow the bus considerably prior to making contact with the SUV, thus limiting the damage and limiting injuries of the students on board," said RCMP Cpl.Kevin Halwa.

"The SUV apparently had stopped for the stop sign at the intersection however proceeded west across Aspelund Road when it was unsafe to do so," Halwa said in a news release.

The collision happened about 3 p.m. and was responded to by Sylvan Lake RCMP, firefighters and EMS.

The driver of the SUV, an 18 year old from Calgary, was charged with failing to proceed safely after stopping at an intersection under the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations.