Why Do Bus Accidents Happen?

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print


There are lots of people who depend on buses to get them from place to place safely. At the same time, even though bus drivers are trained specifically to drive buses, accidents can still happen. Given the sheer size of buses and the typical lack of safety restraints, it is possible for people to suffer serious bus accident injuries. In this situation, it is important to seek professional help as quickly as possible as there are much stricter guidelines in place including a much shorter statute of limitations.. The best way to deal with bus accidents is to prevent them from happening. When it comes to bus accidents, there are a few common causes that everyone has to know. 

Driver Distraction Remains the Most Common Cause of Bus Accidents

When it comes to bus accidents, the most common cause is driver distraction. For example, for those who drive school buses, it is easy to be distracted by kids who are playing, fighting, or screaming in the back. For bus drivers who operate mass transit buses, it is possible that they might be distracted by activities that are happening in the back as well. This could include people playing loud music, talking on the phone, or eating something. It is always critical for bus drivers to make sure that their attention remained on the road. Even though it is easy to be distracted by what is going on in the back, the safety of the passengers always has to come first. 

Bus Driver Cell Phone Use

In addition, it is also possible for bus drivers to be distracted by their own cell phone. Often, drivers end up driving for several hours at a time. This is a long time to go without touching the phone. At the same time, this is also part of the job. If bus drivers take their hands off the wheel, they lose control it a very large vehicle that can pose a safety risk to not only the people in the bus but those outside the bus as well. Furthermore, if bus drivers are distracted by a conversation that is happening on the phone, this is just another way that they can remove their attention from the task at hand. It is important for bus drivers to make sure that they put their phones away while they are driving. Even better, it is a good idea to keep the phone off. If they need to communicate with other bus drivers or their supervisors, this is where an intercom can be helpful. 

A Lack of Bus Maintenance

Finally, it is also important to note the role that a lack of bus maintenance might play in an accident. It is important for everyone to make sure that the bus is safe to drive. Often, the person driving the bus is not the same as the person who owns the bus. Usually, someone else is responsible for maintaining the bus. If they are not personally on the bus driving, then they might be tempted to neglect bus maintenance in order to save a few dollars. At the same time, if the bus does not have its transmission checked, its brakes inspected, its oil changed, or its tires rotated, then this is just another way that a serious accident can take place. Bus maintenance is a critical part of making sure that not only the driver stay safe but also the passengers remain safe as well. 

When it comes to bus safety, it is important to address this issue for my comprehensive perspective. When safety is the top priority, the chances of a bus accident are seriously reduced.