Editor's Note: The Georgia State Patrol is still investigating the fatal Dade school bus accident on Tuesday, but today released the following initial report, which The Planet publishes here in its entirety. Two points stand out: First, a "flashing yellow" left turn signal was involved. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) calls this the "permissive left" signal when drivers turn left on a red light, though the report does not specifically say the light was red. "Permissive left" signals were just installed this fall as part of a general upgrade of Dade's problematic main intersection. The second point of interest is that the report refers to pending charges when the investigation is complete, and names the bus driver.
On Feb. 20, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Linda Hulgan, age 71 of Wildwood, was crossing the eastbound and westbound lanes of GA 136 in a cross walk. A school bus was turning left onto GA 136 from GA 58 on a flashing yellow left turn signal. The school bus struck the pedestrian in the westbound lane of GA 136 and came to a controlled final rest, facing west, in the westbound lane of GA 136. Ms. Hulgan was fatally injured. This is an open investigation by the GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team. Charges are pending the completion of the investigation
The driver is Angela Payne, age 61 of Trenton.
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