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The accident took place at around 4:10 p.m. on Post Road near Outlook Drive. A 12-year-old middle school student had gotten off the bus and was attempting to cross the Post Road when she was hit by the passenger side mirror of a passing pickup truck. Police said that the bus was fully stopped and had its stop sign deployed and red lights flashing.
Police said the girl was taken to the hospital, and that her injuries consisted only of scrapes and bruises.
The driver of the pickup truck, 35-year-old Gary Hartog of Rowayton, stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, according to police. He said he had looked down at his phone, which was on the seat and ringing, and did not see the stopped bus or the student, police said. He was issued an infraction for failure to stop for a school bus and distracted driving.
"The Darien Police Department remains fully committed to enforcing the Connecticut motor vehicle statutes involving distracted driving and the prohibition against using any type of hand held electronic device while driving," police said. "This incident clearly demonstrates the inherent dangers of distracted driving and the potential consequences for all involved."
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