Tips For Avoiding School Bus Accidents
Fortunately, accidents involving school buses in Dallas are not something we see often. The drivers of these buses receive special training to ensure that they can transport kids safely, and drivers of regular cars are instructed to reduce their speed and stop when children are getting on or off the bus. Even though car accidents happen much more frequently, it doesn’t mean that school buses are entirely free from danger. Sadly, there are some careless drivers who break the law by going around stopped school buses, which puts children in jeopardy.
How Often Do Accidents Happen
Schoolbus Fleet reported that during the 2022-23 school year, around 484,177 yellow school buses were used to transport students every day in the United States. Additionally, approximately 21.4 million elementary and secondary school students rely on these buses for their daily commute to and from school.
Between 2013 and 2022, the majority of fatalities in accidents involving school buses were people in other vehicles, making up 71% of the total. Pedestrians accounted for 16% of the deaths, while school bus passengers made up 5%. School bus drivers represented 4% of the fatalities, and bicyclists accounted for 3% of the total.
Between 2013 and 2022, a significant portion of individuals hurt in accidents involving school buses were school bus passengers, making up around 36% of the total. School bus drivers accounted for about 9% of the injuries, while a majority, 51%, were people in other vehicles. The rest of the injured included pedestrians, cyclists, and those whose status was either unclear or categorized differently.
Steps To Take To Prevent An Accident
If your kid takes the school bus, it’s important to share some safety tips with them so they can steer clear of any accidents with pedestrians, especially since some drivers might not be paying attention.
Use caution on the way to the bus stop. Hurrying to catch a bus can be risky because drivers might not notice a child sprinting, and there’s a good chance that the child could stumble and fall while running, which could lead to getting hurt.
Pay attention when entering or existing the school bus. Children often overlook safety when walking as pedestrians. Instead of being cautious, they might be more interested in playing, talking to friends, or thinking about their day at school. As a result, they may not pay attention when getting on or off the bus, potentially putting themselves in danger. It’s important to remind your child to prioritize safety and be aware of their surroundings during these times.
Use designated crosswalks. Moving between parked cars can be really risky for kids because drivers usually have a hard time spotting smaller children near vehicles. Additionally, many drivers might not be paying attention for kids who are not using crosswalks. It’s important to teach your child to always cross the street at designated crosswalks to keep them safe from accidents involving pedestrians.
Look both ways when crossing the street. When kids are getting on or off a bus, the most significant risk they encounter is crossing the street. It’s important to teach them to wait until all vehicles have come to a complete stop and to look for eye contact with drivers to ensure they are noticed.
IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN INJURED IN A SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
