It is hard to believe the summer has flown by so quickly. Even as you are enjoying the last days of summer, you should also take time to remind children of school bus safety. Data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that 174 children were killed in school bus related accidents from 2003-2012, as passengers and pedestrians. You can protect your child from suffering injuries with a refresher course on the causes behind school bus accidents in Florida and some tips on how to avoid injury.
Factors in School Bus Accidents
Though there may be multiple causes behind school bus accidents, negligence of the bus driver or another motorist is usually to blame. Examples of negligent or careless acts include:
- A violation of traffic laws;
- Insufficient bus driver training;
- Improper licensing for the bus operator;
- Failure to properly supervise children getting on and off buses;
- Careless bus maintenance or failure to inspect; and,
- Many other factors.
Common Injuries for Young Victims
Like other types of motor vehicle crashes, bus accidents can lead to serious injuries for victims. Children may suffer bone fractures, cuts, abrasions, and soft tissue injuries. In more extreme collisions, a child could experience traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, spinal cord trauma, and damage to internal organs. As the NHTSA reports, children may sustain life-threatening injuries that can result in temporary or permanent disability, and even death.
Remind Your Kids to Stay Safe
As a parent, you can do your part to help your kids stay safe when school starts by recapping a few tips on school bus safety:
- Always walk to the bus instead of running, even when in a hurry. Risky behavior is most common when children feel rushed, and a scurrying child is hard for other motorists to spot in between vehicles.
- Stay away from the road and use sidewalks and crosswalks where available.
- Line up with other children and wait at the curb until the bus driver opens the door. Only step toward the bus after it has come to a complete stop.
- Pay attention to the flashing red and yellow lights on the bus. These are meant to warn other motorists to stop for children. If the lights are not on, you risk an accident by approaching the bus.
Consult with an Ocala, FL Personal Injury Lawyer About School Bus Accidents
These recommendations should be useful as you are preparing your children for the new year, but school bus accidents can happen when you least expect them. If your child is injured, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. To hear more about your options after a school bus accident, please contact Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law in Ocala, FL. You can schedule a free consultation today by calling 352-558-8480 or visiting us online to fill out a contact form.
Resource:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811890