Bus Accident

The safety of children riding the bus to school should be on everyone’s mind throughout the year. With National School Bus Safety Week in October, this may be an appropriate time to review how everyone can pitch in to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths to school children caused by school bus accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a school bus remains the safest way to get children to school. When compared to being driven to school in the family car, the NHSTA found that students taking the bus were 70 times more likely to safely arrive at their destination. Despite this, the NHTSA points out that the greatest risk occurs as children enter and exit the bus. The following safety refresher may help reduce the risks children face when traveling to school on a bus. Florida rules for passing a stopped school bus Florida law requires motorists to stop when they approach a school bus with flashing red lights and stop arm extended. Vehicles must remain stopped until there are no children in the road and the stop arm has been withdrawn. The fact that no more children are exiting a school bus does not authorize drivers to pass it. Drivers must wait until the stop arm is no longer extended. The vehicles that must stop for a school bus depends on the type of road. As you read through the following bus safety rules, think about the number of times you have witnessed violations: Fines for passing a stopped school bus Unlawfully passing a stopped school bus is punishable with a minimum fine of $165. But the minimum fine goes up to $265 if a driver passes on the side where the door is located. In addition to the fine, drivers must complete a driver improvement course and four points are added to their record. Bus safety tips for drivers and parents The following bus safety tips for parents and motorists can make it safer for children who take the bus to school: Motorists should expect the unexpected whenever there are young children near a school, playground or bus stop. Bus safety is about constant diligence. When accidents happen, a Tampa personal injury lawyer can help When accidents happen and you or a loved one sustain injuries, you may have the right to recover compensation from the person whose negligence caused it. A consultation with a Tampa personal injury attorney provides answers to your questions and options for recovering damages from the negligent party. Contact a KF&B lawyer for a free consultation today.