Many people in the U.S. rely on buses to get from point A to point B. In fact, it is estimated that people in this country take nearly 6 billion bus trips every year. Although taking a bus is an affordable way to get around town, it can also be dangerous. Here are some of the most common causes of bus accidents:
Speeding
Bus drivers often feel pressured to speed in order to stay on schedule. For example, if a bus driver is running behind schedule because he is caught in traffic, he may feel the need to speed up once the traffic clears in order to make up for missed time. It’s ever safe for a driver to speed, especially if the driver is operating a bus. Buses are much larger and more difficult to control than passenger vehicles, which makes speeding even more dangerous. Unfortunately, many bus accidents are caused by a driver’s decision to speed.
Distracted Driving
Bus drivers spend hours behind the wheel everyday, so it’s easy for them to get distracted by their cell phone, the radio, or passengers on the bus. But, safely operating a bus requires a driver’s full attention. If a driver loses focus for even a moment, he could get into an accident. Some researchers have even found that distracted driving is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Sadly, many bus drivers allow themselves to become distracted behind the wheel, which puts all of their passengers in harm’s way.
Other Drivers
Bus accidents also occur because of the negligence of other drivers on the road. For example, let’s say another driver cuts in front of a bus, leaving little room between the bus and their vehicle. Buses take much longer to come to a complete stop than passenger vehicles, so if a driver does this, the bus driver may not have enough time to avoid a collision. It’s important for other drivers to exercise caution when driving near buses so they can avoid getting into dangerous accidents like these.
Left Turn Blind Spots
Left turns are challenging for bus drivers. This is because when the bus begins to turn left, the driver’s vision is temporarily obstructed. Bus drivers can avoid this problem by using their mirrors and shifting their bodies forward and backward to get a better view as they turn. But, if a driver fails to do this, he could easily crash into a vehicle or pedestrian.
If you are ever injured in a bus accident, seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney at Reisch Law Firm. Let our team of attorneys fight to recover compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
