BUS CRASHES, CAUSES

Any time you board a bus, you are handing over the control of your safety and security to the bus driver and bus company. Bus drivers must undergo extensive training and licensing before they are allowed to drive to ensure that passengers are not in danger. However, bus accidents can still occur for a variety of reasons.

Even with professional training, bus conductors can still make mistakes. Additionally, a bus company that fails to take proper care of its buses and associated equipment is putting its passengers in danger, no matter how safe the driver. And, road construction companies that leave out hazards or fail to mark dangerous roadways may also contribute to the likelihood and severity of accidents. No matter if you use the bus for daily transportation to work or school, or if you choose to travel by bus for long distance trips, you should be aware of the risk of bus accidents.

Bus Crashes

Bus accidents may involve the bus alone, or may involve other vehicles or pedestrians. Each year, thousands of bus accidents are reported in the United States, resulting in just as many injuries and hundreds of fatalities. Bus crashes can be caused for a variety of reasons, including:

• Failure of bus parts. Mechanical failure can occur if a bus is old and has not been maintained and repaired properly over time. Some parts may fail not out of overuse but because they were designed or manufactured in an inferior manner.
• Driver error. Bus drivers who drive across the country may suffer from fatigue and make preventable errors. City bus drivers may make mistakes in traffic that ultimately end in an accident that could have been avoided.
• Road and construction defects. Construction sites are common along our roads and bridges. However, sometimes workers fail to warn drivers of potential hazards or leave machinery or other materials that obstruct the roadway. These obstacles can ultimately cause a bus to crash.
• Other reckless drivers. The behavior of other drivers can greatly increase the likelihood of an accident. Passenger car drivers often tailgate buses or speed around them dangerously.

Bus crashes are highly dangerous for bus occupants since buses have a high instance of rollover and because many passengers do not wear seat belts.

Bus Hazards

Buses present not only a risk of injury to those inside the bus, but also to pedestrians and to occupants of other vehicles. Because of the large size and weight of buses, it is difficult for them to stop quickly. Because of this, they pose a significant risk when driving in traffic. If a car in front needs to slam on its brakes, the bus behind it may not be able to come to a stop in time. In the same manner, if a bus driver fails to see a pedestrian or another vehicle crossing the road, it may be difficult for the bus to brake enough to avoid a collision.