Averted gaze results in crashed car, no injuries

The driver of a white Toyota Camry received minor injuries after crashing into the back-end of a school bus Friday afternoon.

There were 44 students on board, none of whom were hurt.

Teagan C. Champion, 24, of Navarre, was taken to Gulf Breeze Hospital following the two-car accident at U.S. Highway 98 and Woodlawn Beach Road.

Champion was also cited for careless driving.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol press release, both the bus, driven by Cathy G. Dore, 56, of Gulf Breeze, and Champion were westbound on U.S. 98. The bus was traveling slower than Champion, who was behind the vehicle.

Champion looked away from the roadway “while allowing her vehicle to continue forward,” failing to see the bus in front of her, the release said.

Champion’s car drove up under the rear of the bus. The bus continued westbound, dragging Champion’s car, finally pulling into a westbound turn lane where both vehicles stopped.