An estimated 20 million children between the ages of 5-14 ride the school bus daily. The school bus is one of the most convenient modes of transportation, especially for children with busy working parents. The school bus has long been thought to be a safe way to get to and from school. But you may be surprised to learn that school bus accidents can and do occur.
Surprising School Bus Accident Statistics
Here are a few surprising school bus accident statistics to know:
- There were a total of 54 school bus accident fatalities reported in 2020.
- Almost 200 pedestrians were injured by a school bus from 2010-2020.
- Over 1,000 fatalities occurred related to a school bus from 2010-2020.
- Over 140,000 injuries occurred related to a school bus from 2010-2020.
Each school bus holds up to 90 passengers, plus the bus driver. There are over 480,000 school buses on the road each day. So, while riding a bus may be safer than other forms of transportation, it’s not risk-free.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents
It can be helpful to know some of the most common causes of school bus accidents. School bus accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Weather
School takes place regardless of the weather. Rainy and winter weather can cause bus accidents. Buses take longer to come to a stop, which can be dangerous when the roads are icy.
Improper Training
School bus shortages have led to school districts hiring drivers with limited experience. Drivers who aren’t properly trained may not be aware of safety precautions. They may also be less likely to notice when the school bus needs maintenance or repairs.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving or speeding can also lead to more bus accidents. Even if the school bus driver is careful and follows the speed limit, others on the road driving recklessly may cause an accident. Drivers may be tempted to speed around a school bus because they drive slower or to avoid being stopped when the bus stops to let passengers off.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is dangerous, whether you’re a bus driver or a passenger vehicle driver. Alcohol and drugs reduce reaction time. This can lead to the school bus driver running a red light or rear-ending another driver. It can also lead to a passenger vehicle driver running into a school bus.
Your Options Following a School Bus Accident
School bus accidents are often severe. This is because children don’t wear seatbelts on the school bus. They may also not stay seated. If the bus is in an accident while a child is standing, they may be thrown across the bus. This can lead to broken bones, back and neck injuries, internal bleeding, or head injuries.
It’s a good idea to talk with a personal injury lawyer following a school bus accident. It’s not always easy to determine who’s at fault when a school bus accident occurs.
Contact a Little Falls Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your School Bus Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a bus accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Camili & Capo, PA represent clients injured because of a bus accident in Little Falls, Newark, Clifton, Passaic, Livingston, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 411 Hackensack Avenue, Suite 200, Hackensack, NJ 07601, as well as offices in Little Falls, Newark, and New Brunswick, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
