School buses are huge vehicles weighing way more than normal passenger car vehicles. Therefore, when a school bus gets into an accident, the collision’s impact is much greater than in passenger car accidents. You may wonder why school bus accidents occur. After all, the driver is aware that the vehicle is full of students and should be more careful.
There are several reasons why school buses get into accidents. These crashes usually occur because of negligence on the bus driver’s part or by some other party. An accident involving a bus can be extremely serious. A speeding bus can tip over, roll, or slide on the road, causing a big wreck. If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident, speak to an attorney and get your personal injury FAQ answered.
Reasons for school bus collisions
- Distracted driving.
Distracted driving contributes to more than half of the road accidents in the United States. It is the age of technology, and people can barely seem to take their hands off their smartphones. Most drivers think looking away from the road for a few seconds to type a quick text is harmless, but that might be the last text they send.
It is important to train drivers not to use any electronic devices or do other activities while driving that might take their minds and vision off the road.
- Bus driver negligence.
Bus driver negligence is one of the top reasons school bus accidents occur. In fact, distracted driving comes under the category of bus driver negligence. Other negligent things include speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, talking on the phone, listening to loud music, talking to the bus passengers, etc. When driving, the bus driver should focus on the road only.
- Driver fatigue.
Bus drivers do not usually have a hectic work routine and get enough time to rest, but only if they can manage their time properly. When bus drivers do not sleep at the right time and get the rest they need to function optimally at their jobs, they may feel tired and fatigued at the wheel, increasing the risks of a collision. A tired driver is incapable of using safe driving practices.
- Violating traffic laws.
Last but not least, violating traffic laws can result in terrible accidents. School buses are required to follow the same rules as other vehicles. Some examples of violating traffic laws include:
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Reckless driving practices
- Not considering the weather conditions while driving
