The 3 Different Types of School Bus Accidents
Each year, approximately 137 people are killed in school bus-related crashes, and hundreds more are injured. Some years, however, tragedy strikes and those numbers skyrocket. In November, five children were killed and another 30 injured in a school bus crash in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There were no other vehicles involved in that crash, and the bus driver was a 24-year-old male who was thought to be speeding before the bus flipped over and struck a tree.
Children have a right to be safe on our nation’s buses, but they aren’t the only ones who are in danger from school bus accidents. In fact, of all school bus-related fatalities, the safest place to be is actually on the bus. Between 2001-2010, deaths occurring from school bus accidents affected 72% of the occupants of other vehicles, 7% of school bus occupants, and the remainder pedestrians or cyclists.
Here are the three different types of school bus accidents that are causing injury, death, and property damage in increasing numbers.
1. School Bus Accidents Involving Other Motor Vehicles
Nearly three-fourths of all school bus accident fatalities involve other motor vehicles. A school bus is a large truck when matched up against your average family car, so it’s no surprise that some extensive injuries occur when the two become involved in an accident.
Morning and afternoon commutes are also the time of day that school buses are on the road and commuters who are running late or distracted may not have the patience and attention required to deal with out-of-the-ordinary conditions. What is normally a 45-mph zone is now a 15 or a bus in the lead might be making frequent stops to pick up children.
Drivers aren’t always at fault in these accidents as school bus drivers can be reckless as well. Injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, fractures, and even death can occur.
2. Pedestrian Accidents Involving a School Bus
About once a month in the U.S., a pedestrian or cyclist will be struck and killed by a moving school bus. Those who aren’t killed might suffer from devastating injuries that range from broken bones to paralysis. When schools are in session, adhering to the rules of the road, whether in a vehicle or not, is more important than ever.
Sometimes crossing guards stop traffic at the drop of a dime and the streets quickly fill up with pedestrians. A school bus driver who isn’t paying attention or who rolls through a stop sign could easily hit a pedestrian or cyclist, particularly with the limited visibility that a large bus provides.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a pedestrian accident involving a school bus, you could have a personal injury or even a wrongful death claim.
3. School Bus Accidents Involving Bus Occupants
More than 23 million children in the U.S. ride a school bus each day, and one study found that as many as 17,000 injuries occur on those buses annually. While most injuries are minor scrapes and bruises that happen while getting on and off the bus or roughhousing, approximately 42% are the result of a bus accident.
Nearly half of all injuries occurred in children 11 to 14 years old, and the most common injures were sprains, strains, abrasions, and head injuries. About 7% of all school bus injuries result in the death of children on board.
Common Causes of Mississippi School Bus Accidents
An estimated 500 school bus accidents occur each year in Mississippi. These are a few common causes of these accidents:
- Driver error: Bus drivers should follow safety precautions and acquire the necessary skills for driving large buses. This is especially important with loud distractions in school buses.
- Weather conditions: It can be difficult driving a bus in wet and windy conditions. Quick turns and stops can become challenging in these vehicles.
- Blind spots: Bus blind spots are larger than cars because of their size. Accidents can happen if the bus driver doesn’t account for these blind spots.
- Making a left turn: Large buses making left turns can cross over into oncoming traffic. It is important that drivers remain vigilant for preventing accidents.
- Negligence: Bus companies may cut corners in the hiring process. They may hire inexperienced drivers. Improper or inadequate bus maintenance can result in preventable accidents.
This is not to say that drivers on the road are not accountable for school bus accidents. Drowsy or distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to yield the right of way by other drivers are a few other reasons that may result in a school bus accident. Drivers should always anticipate frequent stops and never pass a school bus when discharging or loading children.
Safety Tips for Children to Avoid Accidents
Leave early for the bus stop
Parents should ensure their children are out of the door early to wait for the school bus at the designated stop. Running children to avoid missing a school bus can easily get in the way of the bus. There is also the risk of slip and fall accidents or being hit by another vehicle while dashing across the street. A good rule of thumb is to make it to the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
Avoid fighting at the bus stop
Kids should be taught to behave and refrain from indulging in any horseplay. It is easy for a child to tumble into oncoming traffic while wrestling with other kids on the curb. Teach children to keep a minimum distance of 10 feet from the road.
Board the bus carefully
You should instruct the children to wait for the bus to come to a complete halt before attempting to board it. They should use the handrails for balance and fasten their seatbelts once in the seat.
Safety Tips for Motorists to Avoid School Bus Accidents
Always slow down near school buses
You should slow down and proceed cautiously whenever you see a school bus. If there are buses around, there is a good chance that children are nearby too. You need to ensure that you drive slowly in such situations and give yourself ample time to react to a child running across the street or something else equally unexpected.
Give the bus space
You should give the bus plenty of space for performing their tasks safely. Buses need to stop frequently while picking up and dropping off kids. They must also come to a complete stop before crossing a railroad.
Keep away from distractions
Motorists should not text and drive in any circumstances. This is especially when driving around a school bus. You should avoid these distractions when in the school zone to remain focused on the road. Common distractions, such as using a cell phone, eating, fiddling with the entertainment console, reaching for something in the backseat, or grooming can make it difficult for drivers to react to unexpected situations.
If you or your child have been involved in one of these tragic accidents, you may have a claim for personal injury, or wrongful death.
While many school bus accidents are unavoidable, there are always ways to protect yourself and your family from tragic events. Never drive while distracted, know the rules of the road in your state, and always keep a safe distance from school buses on the road. If you or someone you love is involved in an accident with a school bus, contact one of our Mississippi Accident Attorneys to help you in your time of need. Contact the Gardner Law Firm at (228) 436-6555.
