School buses carry some very precious cargo: children. They also make frequent stops to let the children off or on, which why it is so important that other cars are aware of school buses on the roads and use caution around them.

Unfortunately, a North Carolina driver has been accused of drunk driving and striking a stopped school bus from behind Friday, sending more than a dozen students to the hospital with injuries.

Officials said the accident occurred around 4 p.m. on U.S. Highway 301 in Cumberland County. The school bus had reportedly been transporting students from Cape Fear High School and Mack Williams Middle School when it pulled over to let students off.

Apparently, that is when a pickup truck driven by a 41-year-old man approached from behind and failed to stop, crashing into the back of the bus. It was reported that 17 students had to be taken to a nearby hospital for what was described as non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the pickup truck was also injured in the accident and was last listed in serious condition. He has been charged with a DWI, reckless driving and failing to reduce speed to avoid colliding with a vehicle.

Thankfully, none of the students had exited the bus yet when the accident occurred or fatalities would have been likely. Still, the alleged drunk driver could potentially face person injury lawsuits in addition to the criminal charges.

All North Carolina drivers need to be on the lookout for school buses and students on the roads. The early morning hours and late afternoon hours are when bus activity is most active, so be especially alert during these times.

Source: WTVD, "School bus, pickup truck collide in Cumberland County," Greg Barnes, Jan. 27, 2012