Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — Eleven Hayden students escaped without injuries after a school bus was struck by a vehicle being driven by a Craig woman Wednesday morning.
Deborah Trefethen, 47, was cited for failing to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights for the accident that occurred at about 8 a.m. on U.S. 40 at milepost 107.
Trefethen's vehicle, which was traveling eastbound, skidded and then struck the rear of the school bus, said Colorado State Trooper Brett Hilling.
"One of the students was stepping on the bus when the accident occurred," Hilling said.
The bus driver, Sharon Steele, and the 11 students on board the bus were not injured, Hilling said.
Trefethen also was not injured, but the woman's red Subaru Wagon's left front side was extensively damaged, Hilling said.
Because of the accident, the Hayden School District picked up the students in a second bus and transported the students to school.
"All the students are just fine," Superintendent Scott Mader said. "Each of the students were interviewed to make sure they were not hurt. We also contacted each student's parents."
Carl Ray, district transportation director, said the school bus was not damaged significantly.
"There is slight damage," Ray said. "The paint on the bumper is scratched."
After the students were interviewed, they reported to their elementary or middle school class, Mader said.
Hilling said the weather could have contributed to the accident.
"The road was not snowpacked," Hilling said. "But there was melting snow on the roadway. It was slick."

To reach Gary Salazar call 871-4205 or e-mail gsalazar@steamboatpilot.com