More than 50,000 school buses in New York State transport 2.3 million children annually. These vehicles take longer to stop, need more room to maneuver, and have larger blind spots than the average automobile. School bus drivers are responsible for these vehicles and are charged with keeping their student passengers safe.
When a school bus is involved in an accident, your top priority is your child’s safety. However, it’s essential to know that you also have the right to pursue compensation if someone else, such as the bus driver, was negligent and caused your child’s injuries. At Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C., our New York City school bus accident lawyers have helped many families understand and exercise their legal rights in the aftermath of school bus accidents.
Every bus driver has a duty to keep their passengers safe; however, school bus drivers have an even more crucial role as they transport children. Their responsibility is not just to ensure their precious cargo reaches their final destination safely but also to maintain order and ensure the safety of children boarding and exiting the bus.
In New York, a school bus driver has multiple duties. They are expected to avoid distractions, keep the bus in good working order, and be extra cautious in poor weather conditions. Their responsibilities also include keeping the children out of the aisle when the bus is moving, ensuring students remain seated, guiding children as they cross the street in front of the school bus, and only allowing children on the bus after it has come to a complete stop.
The behavior of other drivers on the road can make a big difference in preventing school bus accidents. When driving and encountering a school bus, slow down and be patient. School buses make frequent stops and must stop at railroad crossings. Additionally, it’s your responsibility to be alert and aware of children boarding or exiting the bus, ensuring their safety.
When a bus flashes yellow lights, it is preparing to stop. This is a signal to other drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights indicate the bus has stopped and children are embarking or disembarking. As a fellow motorist, it’s your duty to come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away and wait until the school bus resumes motion to proceed.
Distracted driving, a significant contributor to road accidents, poses unique challenges when it involves school bus drivers. While many associate distracted driving with texting and driving, for school bus drivers, distractions can stem from student behavior, GPS systems, fatigue, and multitasking.
One of the most effective ways to combat distracted driving is through regular training sessions. These sessions can equip drivers with the skills to address common distractions, instilling confidence in their ability to navigate potential hazards. Additionally, implementing a student behavior management system and having other adult monitors on the bus can further minimize distractions caused by students.
School bus drivers must be prepared to deal with rapidly shifting weather and the sudden appearance of dangerous storms. While there is no perfect solution, there are many ways to decrease the chances of an accident, and the preparedness of drivers is paramount.
School districts should have emergency shortened bus routes available. These routes should avoid dangerous roads, such as winding mountain roads in inclement weather. But it’s not just about the routes; school bus drivers should also undergo periodic snowy-weather training. Additionally, there should be a clear procedure to follow if a driver is forced to stop due to dangerous weather.
After your child is involved in a school bus accident, your immediate focus should be on your child’s well-being. However, it’s crucial to act swiftly to ensure your child receives the compensation they deserve for their injuries. In these urgent situations, having a reliable legal team on your side is essential. Contact our personal injury lawyers today at 1 (800) 318-8888 for a free consultation to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.
In New York, all school buses must be inspected at least every 6 months. This ensures that the buses operate safely and are correctly maintained. Ensuring the buses function properly prevents accidents due to mechanical failure.
Parents can ensure their child’s safety on the school bus by talking to them about bus safety rules such as staying seated, keeping their body parts inside the bus, respecting the bus driver, and minimizing noise levels. Additionally, parents should ensure their children arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early to avoid rushing and make them wait until the bus comes to a complete halt before boarding.
In New York, drivers prioritize the safety of students during emergencies. Drivers are instructed to immediately contact emergency services, secure the bus, evaluate the situation, and provide the student counts to first responders. Additionally, drivers are trained in evacuation procedures should an evacuation of the bus be deemed necessary. After an emergency, the driver is required to report the incident to their supervisor and school administration.
One significant way that schools can support bus drivers is by providing comprehensive periodic training. School districts should also develop emergency plans and train their drivers to follow them. Additionally, schools can provide bus monitors to minimize student distractions.
Student behavior has a direct impact on school bus safety. Disruptive students can cause drivers to lose focus on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Conversely, if students are quiet and well-behaved, they help maintain a safe and distraction-free environment, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
