CHP: Speeding car collides with charter bus on Highway 101 outside Novato

A speeding Buick crashed into a charter bus bound for the Graton Resort and Casino Friday afternoon, snarling traffic on northbound Highway 101 south of the Sonoma County line, the CHP said.

No injuries were reported in the 12:43 p.m. crash on the two-lane freeway near the Birkenstock office, about a mile north of Atherton Avenue in Novato, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said.

The casino-bound bus, operated by A Perfect Express, was carrying 41 passengers, Barclay said. The unidentified male driver of the Buick drove up behind the bus at an “unsafe speed” in the fast lane, he said.

As the bus was slowing for traffic, the Buick swerved around it, swiping its right side. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage, Barclay said.

The lanes were reopened by 1:05 p.m., he said.

Alcohol, drugs or distracted driving are not believed to be factors, he said.

Kelly Arana of Petaluma drove by the crash on her way home from work in Novato, observing suitcases spilling from the charter bus and broken glass in the lanes as CHP officers arrived. She said the bus driver, and the driver of the Buick, who appeared to be in his 20s, were outside their vehicles.

“I drive on that freeway all the time,” she said. “There’s always an accident. People need to slow down.”