The common causes of school bus accidents may seem obvious, but they remain real dangers for those driving, walking, or biking on the roads. When school season is at its peak, these dangers can become even more significant. No one wants to put children at risk when driving. However, school bus accidents can happen when you least expect them. When they do, recognizing the reasons behind them can help prevent future risks.
How Common are School Bus Accidents?
Luckily, school bus accidents aren’t nearly as common as other automobile accidents. According to the Government of Canada, approximately 142 people pass away each year in a school bus-related collision. Though this is still an extremely unfortunate statistic, only five of these deaths were school bus passengers–demonstrating how safe school buses can be.
On the other hand, if a significant school bus accident does occur, our lawyers are prepared to support you and your family through the process. We know there may be hospital and healing time involved if the accident was severe. Our team wants to make sure you are as comfortable as possible as we move through the school bus accident claim steps.
Causes of School Bus Accidents
Though school buses are certainly one of the safest transportation options for children, it doesn’t mean the unexpected won’t happen. Below are a few common causes of school bus accidents in British Columbia.
Pedestrians
Many cities have students and families who walk to school. Many individuals walk to work or while running errands as well. During peak travel times, street congestion can cause confusion or unforeseen circumstances. If a bus driver cannot see a pedestrian crossing the road due to a blind spot, an accident may occur. If a pedestrian is looking down at their phone when walking, they may step into traffic at the wrong time. The same fears go for families with small children. When cars are racing to work and school buses are trying to get to all their stops, it becomes extra important to keep little ones safe.
Cyclists
Similarly, cyclists can pose a danger during rush hour. When a cyclist is moving quickly at the edge of the road, it may be difficult for them to come to an abrupt stop. Blind spots also become a problem for cyclists when school buses are near. If a bus driver cannot see a cyclist in their mirror, an accident may occur–especially because a cyclist cannot beep or make motions that could alert the driver of their position.
Distractions
Whenever someone gets behind the wheel of an automobile, there is the unfortunate possibility of distractions. Electronics–such as smartphones and tablets–often grab other drivers’ attention; bus drivers have a unique set of distractions. When students are yelling, chatting, and moving around in their seats, a driver can easily become distracted. That second of distraction can be the second a pedestrian or cyclist ends up in that blind spot. That distracted moment can also be when a stop sign or light is overlooked.