A school bus carrying 13 students crashed on a snowy highway in southwest Colorado early Thursday morning, but everyone on board walked away without a scratch. The incident happened around 7:10 a.m. on Highway 160 near South Fork, when slippery roads caused the bus to slide off the road and roll onto its side.
What Happened in the Crash
The bus was heading east on Highway 160, a route often used for school runs in the rural area. Snow had blanketed the road overnight, making conditions tricky for drivers.
According to reports, the driver tried to slow down, but the bus began to slide to the right. It veered onto the dirt shoulder, spun around, and hit some old railroad tracks nearby.
This impact flipped the bus onto the driver’s side, leaving it tilted in a ditch. Emergency crews arrived quickly to help everyone out.
The crash blocked part of the highway for a few hours while crews cleared the scene. No other vehicles were involved in this single-vehicle accident.
No One Hurt in the Rollover
Amazingly, all 13 students and the driver escaped injury free. Rescuers checked everyone at the scene, and no one needed hospital care.
Parents rushed to the area after hearing the news, relieved to find their kids safe. One parent described the moment as terrifying but thanked the quick response from local authorities.
School officials praised the driver’s actions, saying her experience helped keep things under control. She has driven school routes for years without major issues.
This outcome highlights how school buses are built tough, with features like high seat backs and reinforced sides that protect passengers in crashes.
Slippery Roads Blamed for the Slide
Winter weather played a big role in this accident. Snowfall hit the region hard that morning, turning highways into ice rinks during the early commute.
Temperatures dropped below freezing overnight, causing black ice in spots. Drivers in southwest Colorado often face these challenges in late fall.
Recent storms have led to more crashes across the state. Just last week, a similar slide happened on a nearby road, though that one involved cars.
Experts say snow-covered roads increase stopping distances by up to three times. This crash serves as a reminder of how fast conditions can change in mountain areas.
Here are some key facts about winter road risks in Colorado:
- Snow and ice cause about 20 percent of all crashes each year.
- Rural highways like 160 see higher rates due to fewer plows and steeper grades.
- Dawn hours are riskiest, as refreezing happens when the sun is low.
Ongoing Probe and Official Response
Investigators are looking into the exact cause, but early signs point to weather as the main factor. They will check the bus for any mechanical problems, though none are suspected yet.
Colorado State Patrol handled the scene and urged drivers to slow down in bad weather. They noted several other minor crashes nearby while dealing with this one.
Local schools sent out alerts to parents about the incident and offered counseling if needed. The bus company plans to review safety protocols to prevent future issues.
In a statement, officials stressed the importance of caution during snowfall, especially at dawn and dusk when roads refreeze.
Tips for Safe Winter Driving
To help readers stay safe, here are practical steps based on expert advice from transportation groups.
Driving in snow requires extra care, and small changes can make a big difference.
| Tip | Why It Helps | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Check tires | Good tread grips ice better | Ensure at least 4/32 inch depth; consider snow tires |
| Slow down | Reduces slide risk | Cut speed by 30 percent on slick roads |
| Increase space | Gives more reaction time | Keep at least 8 seconds behind other vehicles |
| Use lights | Improves visibility | Turn on headlights even in daylight |
| Pack essentials | Prepares for emergencies | Include blankets, water, and a phone charger |
Following these can lower crash chances and keep families safe.
Related Incidents and Broader Context
Colorado has seen a spike in bus-related accidents this year, with data showing about 50 school bus crashes statewide in 2025 so far. Most are minor, but they underline the need for better winter prep.
Nationally, school bus safety remains strong, with fewer than 1 percent of crashes causing serious harm. Advances in bus design have saved lives in tough situations.
This event ties into broader trends, like increased extreme weather from climate shifts. Last month’s storms in the Rockies caused similar rollovers, prompting calls for more road funding.
As winter deepens, communities are pushing for improved plowing and driver education programs.
Share your thoughts on winter road safety in the comments below, and pass this article along to help others stay informed and prepared.
