You drive alongside them every day, they pull into your neighborhood, and your kids might even ride on them morning and afternoon. But how often do you consider your actions on the road and how they impact those big yellow school buses?
School buses transport hundreds of students daily in Louisville. And while accidents are rare with these vehicles, they do happen. Because of the precious cargo inside of these vehicles, it is imperative that every motorist do his or her part to avoid collisions with these vehicles and keep children safe.
Contact Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC
online or by calling 502-791-9000.
5 Ways Motorists Can Prevent Louisville School Bus Accidents
Bus accidents might not occur daily, but they still occur more often than they should. Motorists must be aware of these vehicles on the road and always exercise caution when passing, stopping behind, or even driving alongside one.
If you find yourself on the road with school buses, here are a few ways you can help reduce the chances that you will cause a collision with one in the future:
Always Look for Children Near School Bus Stops
School bus stops in your neighborhood could be as many as a few per block. Therefore, please familiarize yourself with where they are in the neighborhood and look out for children during morning and afternoon bus times. You may have to stop and wait for the bus while it loads or unloads children. Passing a bus with its “stop” sign out or lights flashing is a traffic violation – and a serious one at that.
Also, look out for children who might dart into the street while trying to make the bus in the morning or dart from behind to rush home after school.
Slow Down While Tailing a Bus
If you find yourself following a bus on city streets or even on the highway, slow your speeds. School buses are carrying small children, and many buses still do not use seat-belts. This means that, if you were to rear-end that vehicle, children on the bus might be pushed forward.
Buses make frequent stops. And while the driver should signal they are about to stop or slowly come to a stop, you must do your part to keep your distance in case the driver maneuvers unexpectedly.
Never Pass a Bus
Never pass a school bus from behind. While drivers have wider mirrors to see what is behind them, if you pass on an undivided road or unexpectedly, the driver may have to make a sudden maneuver that increases the chances of an accident. If you must pass in front of a bus on the highway or road, use your signal and give the driver time to see you. Never abruptly cut in front of a bus, either. Buses are significantly heavier than the average passenger vehicle, which means it takes them longer to stop.
Know What Bus Signals Mean
Buses have signs and flashing lights, but do you know what they mean? Naturally, you will know and recognize a turn signal, but what about yellow flashing lights? Yellow flashing lights on a bus indicate caution, which means the bus is preparing to stop and is telling you that you must slow down behind them.
Any time a bus has red flashing lights, with or without the “stop” arm extended, you are legally required to come to a stop behind the bus. Red flashing lights mean the bus is coming to a halt and children are entering or exiting the bus.
You must stop, even if you are going in the opposite direction of the bus. The only time it is acceptable to continue is when there is a clear divider on the roadway. If you are in a neighborhood, you must stop, regardless.
Be Aware at Railroad Crossings
School buses are required to stop at railroad crossings, regardless of if the arms or lights are flashing at the intersection itself. The bus will slow and indicate it is coming to a stop. Therefore, if you are approaching a railroad crossing, be prepared to stop – regardless of whether or not the driver notifies you. The bus may remain there for a few seconds while the driver checks both ways before it starts again.
Please do not pass the bus while they stop at a railroad crossing.
Contact Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC
online or by calling 502-791-9000.
What If My Child Is Injured in a School Bus Accident?
When bus accidents occur, they are often due to preventable reasons. For example, a driver may cause an accident by cutting a bus off or rear-ending a bus because they did not pay attention to space between their vehicle and the bus.
When children are injured in bus accidents and another vehicle’s driver is at fault, parents can hold the driver responsible for their actions.
These cases can result in massive civil penalties for the driver, and in some cases, criminal penalties. The driver’s insurance would be responsible for covering the injury costs of each child on the bus, which could be several dozen children.
When serious injuries or fatalities occur, parents should consult with an attorney.
An injury attorney that has experience handling bus accident cases can protect the rights of those children injured in an unnecessary collision. They can help secure compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance and hold the driver legally accountable for their actions.
Compensation you and your loved ones may receive include:
- Medical Expenses – You can receive compensation for the medical expenses your family endures after a school bus accident, including past, present, and any future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages – While you care for your child who was injured in the crash, you miss time at work, which means your family loses out on income. You can seek compensation for those lost wages, including any salaries you will continue to miss for a child who is seriously injured and who needs long-term care.
- Pain and Suffering – The emotional and physical trauma of a school bus crash is hard to place a dollar value on. But an attorney will seek compensation for you and your child for pain and suffering, including the physical injury and pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish they suffer.
To explore your options, schedule a free case evaluation with Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC, and meet with attorney Seth Gladstein. Schedule your consultation today at 502-791-9000 or request more information online.
Contact Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC
online or by calling 502-791-9000.
