All of us contribute to school bus safety
At the end of the summer, most of us immediately notice the difference in traffic flow in the mornings when school goes back in session—pausing for busses at bus stops, seeing kids waiting for their bus, and sometimes getting stuck behind a bus on its route. The big yellow school bus is about 70 times safer than traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and that’s because there are so many laws protecting school buses and the kids who commute on them. The number one most impactful way to keep kids safe is for all of us on the road to know and respect those laws, and to drive safely.
School busses are designed for safety, with carefully designed interiors to keep kids safe in any traffic incident, and obvious signage and yellow paint to alert all other motorists. Fatal school bus crashes are very rare, but statistically, the fatalities tend to be the occupants of the other car or vehicle instead of the school bus. The most common type of school bus accident is a rear-end accident.
For kids, the risk of accident or injury is highest when getting on or off the school bus. That means that how other drivers behave around bus stops and on the road can have a big impact on the safety of kids in the community.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers these guidelines for all drivers:
- Use extra caution when leaving a driveway or garage, especially during times of day when you know kids are heading to their busses.
- Slow down in residential areas and school zones in particular.
- Stay alert, knowing that kids who are running late might dart into the street without looking.
- Obey all school bus laws, and watch for flashing lights and signage on the bus.
Drivers of school busses that get in accidents may experience similar injuries to car crashes, like back and neck injuries, head injuries, and broken bones or fractures. These injuries can be costly, as well as have serious health repercussions. Drivers may need to file worker’s compensation claims to get the assistance they need for health and healing.
If you’re involved in an accident with a school bus, it’s important to seek the medical and legal help that you need. NRS lawyers can offer you advice, guidance, and the information you need to navigate your claim. Call our experienced team today to learn more!
category: Auto Accidents
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.