Bus travel is a convenient and often economical way to navigate a city or travel longer distances. However, bus accidents can be devastating, causing serious injuries and property damage. While not all accidents are preventable, many are caused by the negligence of bus drivers. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, search for a good bus accident attorney who can help you file a claim and secure compensation for your losses. Here, we’ll explore some of the most frequent acts of negligence by bus drivers that lead to accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents across the board, and bus drivers are not immune. Using cell phones, eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the bus’s controls excessively, or even talking to passengers can divert a driver’s attention from the road. This can lead to delayed reaction times, missed traffic signals, and ultimately, an accident.
Drowsy Driving
Bus drivers often work long hours, especially on long-distance routes. This can lead to fatigue, which can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time just as much as alcohol or drugs. Drowsy driving can cause a bus driver to drift out of their lane, miss traffic signals, or even fall asleep at the wheel entirely.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Bus drivers are sometimes pressured to maintain tight schedules, which can tempt them to speed or engage in aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or making risky lane changes. Speeding increases the severity of an accident, while aggressive driving makes it more likely that an accident will occur in the first place.
Ignoring Traffic Laws
Just like any other driver, bus drivers are obligated to follow traffic laws. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, obeying speed limits, yielding the right of way, and using turn signals properly. Failing to follow these laws can lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Improper Merging and Lane Changes
Large vehicles like buses require more space to maneuver safely. Bus drivers who fail to check their blind spots properly before merging or changing lanes can cause accidents with other vehicles or motorcycles. Additionally, not signaling lane changes can confuse surrounding drivers and increase the risk of an accident.
Improper Door Operation
Bus driver negligence can also extend to passenger safety when entering and exiting the bus. This includes failing to ensure the bus has come to a complete stop before opening the doors, not checking for passengers before pulling away from a stop, or not allowing enough time for passengers to get on or off safely.
Inadequate Training
Bus companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained on how to operate a bus safely. This includes training on defensive driving techniques, emergency procedures, and following all traffic laws. Inadequate training can lead to drivers who are not prepared for unexpected situations on the road.
Improper Bus Maintenance
The bus company also has a responsibility to maintain their vehicles in safe working order. This includes regular inspections and maintenance of brakes, tires, steering systems, and other critical components. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning steering can all contribute to a bus accident.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Injuries can sometimes take time to manifest, and getting a medical evaluation will establish a record of your injuries. You should also document the scene of the accident by taking photos or videos if possible, and collect the contact information of any witnesses. Most importantly, consider searching for a good bus accident attorney.
