How to Avoid Accidents with School Buses
The start of the school year is always a happy time for parents, who are generally running on fumes by September after a packed summer. However, fall brings new challenges with it. While buses are generally very safe vehicles, there is always a chance of an accident. This could leave a pedestrian, rider, or occupant of another vehicle seriously injured. As we head into another school year, use these tips to stay safe while driving around school buses.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Learn more now by calling Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 412-391-9860.
Give Buses Lots of Space and Time
Whenever you encounter a school bus, think about how much space you should give them. Double that, and then give them that much buffer room. While this might be an exaggeration, it’s not much of one—buses have notoriously large blind spots, and by giving the driver extra room, you are making it much easier for them to stay safe. On top of that, buses often have children running onto or off of them. When you stay back from a bus, you decrease the risk of accidentally hitting a child.
When it comes to stopping and starting, again, give buses some extra time. They are slower to start and stop than conventional passenger vehicles, and honking won’t make them go any faster. Since they do stop and start quite frequently, consider just going around if you’re in a rush. Impatience significantly increases the chances of an accident.
Pay Careful Attention
Although distracted driving is always dangerous, it’s especially perilous around school buses. Children are known for being easily distracted and not paying attention, so they might not see you if you’re looking down at your phone and you are about to drive right through where they are walking.
Avoid all distractions around buses, especially during times when local schools are starting and ending. Watch for flashing red lights on the back of the bus, which might indicate that the bus is about to pick up or drop off a child. Being extra careful could save a child’s life and protect a parent from experiencing their worst nightmare.
Know Pennsylvania School Bus Laws
Pennsylvania has stringent bus laws. Knowing and following these will not only keep you safe but also keep you from getting a ticket. If a bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, you must stop at least 10 feet away. The same is true if you are driving in the opposite direction of the bus unless there is a grassy median, guard rail, or barrier between the lanes.
Do not proceed until all children are safely out of the road and the bus has turned off its flashing lights and retracted its stop arm. Penalties for breaking this law include a $250 fine, a 60-day license suspension, and five points on your driving record.
Always Expect the Worst
The commercial driving industry is in a rough state right now. Trucking companies, bus companies, and others that rely on CDL holders are having a difficult time finding and retaining drivers. This means that some of the bus drivers you may encounter may be new to the job or still be new to your area.
Rather than assuming that they know how to execute every maneuver perfectly, assume that the driver you see is still learning. By assuming that they could make an error at any time, you are more likely to back up, give them space, and prevent an accident.
Be especially cautious at the beginning of the school year, when local districts may have entire fleets of freshly trained bus drivers. Remember, school buses are incredibly difficult to drive, and it doesn’t hurt to give drivers a little extra kindness and patience.
Get the Legal Support You Need with Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman
Unfortunately, when they do occur, school bus accidents can be devastating. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries as a result of a collision, you could be entitled to compensation. Learn more now with Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman. Schedule your consultation right away by reaching out online or calling us at 412-391-9860.
