When we drop our kids off from the bus stop most mornings, we expect that they will be safe and well taken care of. Although school buses remain one of the best and safest options for transporting our children to and from school when compared to walking, riding a bike, or taking a car, sometimes accidents out of our control take place. When this happens, those who are responsible must be held accountable for any resulting injuries to our children.
According to a recent news report, a school bus was involved in an accident while transporting students during their morning commute. Local authorities reported that the bus was rear-ended, but that there were no serious injuries reported. Emergency medical services transported two students and a bus monitor to the hospital, who were checked out for neck and back pain. Parents were notified following the accident and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
An estimated 471,461 school buses provide transportation services daily in the United States. Approximately 25 million elementary and secondary school children ride school buses to and from school each day. Many communities heavily rely on school buses to safely transport their children to and from school. Because of this, it is crucial that parents and loved ones understand some of the risks that come with school buses and how we can keep our children safe when they are on their own.
How Many People Are Killed In School Bus Accidents Each Year?
Based on national statistics, school bus accidents killed 109 people nationwide in 2019. From 2010 to 2019, about 69 percent of deaths in school bus-related accidents were occupants of vehicles other than the school bus and 17 percent were pedestrians. Approximately six percent were school bus passengers, five percent were school bus drivers, and three percent were cyclists. Of people who are injured in school bus-related accidents between 2010 and 2019, 34 percent are school bus passengers, eight percent are school bus drivers, and 53 percent were occupants of other vehicles. Others included pedestrians and cyclists.
Overall, school buses remain a reliable and safe way to transport your children to and from school. Because of the large size and weight of the average school bus, accidents involving school buses are usually minor without serious injuries. Based on the statistics, it appears that most injuries and deaths involving school buses are more likely to involve other vehicles, rather than the school bus itself.
Still, improvements can be made to increase the safety of our children during their commute on school buses. For example, adopting a lap and shoulder seat belt could keep passengers from getting hurt in the event of an accident. Many injuries following significant school bus accidents involve passengers getting thrown from their seats, which often don’t include seat belts. If an accident takes place while a student isn’t fully seated and facing forward, the impact of the accident could also cause other injuries that would not have happened if a seat belt was in use.
Do You Need a Maryland Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you know was recently involved in a Maryland bus accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen today. Our lawyers have years of experience fighting for the injured and will provide you with the support you need to proceed with your legal claim with ease. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us at 800-654-1949.