Understanding the Common Types of Bus Accidents and Prevention Tips
Riding the bus is a common mode of public transportation for many people. Buses provide a convenient and affordable way to commute to work or school and travel around town. While generally safe, accidents and crashes involving buses do occur. Being aware of the common types of bus accidents can help prevent injuries and make buses even safer.
Common Types of Bus Accidents
Like any motor vehicle operating on public roads, buses can be involved in different kinds of crashes and collisions. According to federal statistics, there are around 15,000 bus accidents every year, with roughly 47% of these resulting in injuries. Some of the most common types of bus accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: One of the most frequent types of bus crashes, these occur when the front of one vehicle hits the back of another. For buses, rear-endings often happen when traffic unexpectedly slows or stops and the bus driver cannot brake in time. Tailgating is a major contributing factor.
- Lane change accidents: When changing lanes, buses can clip or sideswipe adjacent vehicles, especially if the driver fails to check blind spots or signals properly. Improper lane changes account for about 4% of crashes involving large buses.
- Intersection collisions: Intersections are high-risk areas where multiple directions of traffic meet. Running red lights, drivers failing to yield right of way, and turning errors can all lead to T-bone, angular, and sideswipe crashes between buses and other vehicles.
- Rollover accidents: Due to their height and weight distribution, buses can roll over if they swerve suddenly or depart the roadway. These types of crashes are fortunately rare, accounting for just 2% of bus accidents.
- Passenger injuries: Riders can be injured when buses start and stop abruptly, change lanes, or turn sharply. Sudden maneuvers can cause falls, especially for standing passengers. Bus drivers should always drive smoothly.
- Pedestrian collisions: With their large size, obstructed views, and blind spots, buses can strike pedestrians crossing roads or emerging from behind parked cars. Drivers need to be extremely cautious in areas with a lot of foot traffic.
- Incidents at stops: Poorly designed bus stops with no curb or shelter area can lead to accidents as passengers board and exit. Buses pulling in and out of stops should do so slowly and watch for those entering/exiting.
- Fires: Though uncommon, fires can occur on buses, often caused by mechanical failures or electrical issues. All buses should have multiple clearly marked emergency exits and fire suppression equipment.
- Bus door accidents: Malfunctioning bus doors pose a hazard to boarding and exiting passengers. Doors closing unexpectedly can trap riders or cause falls. Proper maintenance helps avoid door defects.
Prevention Tips to Boost Bus Safety
While bus travel has inherent risks, there are many ways to minimize accidents and keep passengers safe. Some bus safety tips include:
- Defensive driving: Bus drivers should constantly scan for hazards, maintain safe distances between vehicles, adapt to conditions, and drive focused without distractions. Being alert and courteous can prevent many crashes.
- Proper maintenance: Well-maintained buses with functional brakes, tires, lights, and other components are less likely to malfunction and cause accidents. Thorough inspections and repairs should be done regularly.
- Adequate driver training: Extensive training prepares bus drivers to safely operate large vehicles and deal with challenging situations. Many transit agencies require classroom, behind-the-wheel, and refresher training.
- Speed control: Obeying speed limits, driving slower in hazardous conditions, and slowing down well in advance for stops and turns all give the driver more time to react and can prevent accidents.
- Seat belt use: Equipping buses with passenger seat belts and ensuring their use protects riders in the event of sudden braking, swerving, or crashes. Drivers should also be buckled up.
- Passenger education: Riders should stay seated or stable while the bus is moving, keep aisles clear, avoid distracting drivers, and follow all rules to avoid injuries. Transit agencies can share safety tips.
- Visibility measures: Buses should keep lights, reflectors and signals well-maintained to be clearly visible. Avoiding other vehicles' blind spots also helps prevent collisions.
- Road design improvements: Dedicated bus lanes, enhanced bus stops, better-marked routes/signage, and technology like traffic signal priority help buses operate more safely and efficiently.
- Partnerships: Transit agencies, schools, traffic engineers, law enforcement, and the community should work together to continuously evaluate risks and implement improvements.
- Surveillance cameras: Onboard cameras monitor driver and passenger behavior, which can improve safety and help in incident investigations.
- Telematics technology: Real-time vehicle tracking and performance data helps transit agencies better manage safety issues like speeding and hard braking.
If You Are Injured in a Bus Accident
Even when safety precautions are taken, bus crashes can still occur and passengers can suffer serious injuries. Common injuries from bus accidents include head traumas, broken bones, spinal cord damage, bruises/cuts, and whiplash. If you are hurt in a bus crash, be sure to:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel major pain right away. Some injuries get worse over time if left untreated.
- Get contact/insurance information from the bus company if it is safe to do so. This helps determine liability and who will pay for damages.
- Document the scene with photos/videos if you are able. Capture property damage, skid marks, location, weather, and more.
- File a police report. Provide an accurate account of what happened. Official reports are important documents.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer Houston. They can handle the insurance claim process for you while you focus on recovery. An attorney may help you recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys have extensive experience representing bus accident victims in Texas. Our team of seasoned attorneys has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in all types of crashes. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a preventable bus accident, contact us for a free consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer on 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946). Our legal expertise can help you pursue maximum compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.
