Tips for Traveling Safely in School Buses

Iconic yellow buses are recognized instantly in Florida and throughout the country. School buses transport many students to and from school every day. The buses are also utilized for school field trips and group outings, and while the vehicles are designed with safety in mind, accidents can still happen.

There are things you can do when traveling on school buses to keep yourself safe, and these strategies can be shared with your loved ones as well. If you took the steps you could but still sustained harm on a Palm Beach County school bus, talk to a Delray Beach personal injury attorney about how to obtain damage recovery.

4 Things You Can Do to Promote Safe Travel

The following four safety tips will not eliminate the risk of harm, but they may help a person avoid injury or sustain less harm should a school bus accident occur.

• Stay seated and use safety belts. Encourage everyone aboard a school bus to remain seated and wear their seatbelts, when possible. Seat belts provide an additional layer of protection should an unexpected turn take place or in the event of an accident.
• Follow all established rules. When safety rules or guidelines are shared by a bus driver they should be recognized, such as keeping the aisles clear and refraining from disruptive behavior.
• Be mindful when boarding or exiting the vehicle. Everyone should be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when entering or exiting the bus. This means waiting for the bus to come to a complete stop, taking turns rather than pushing, and using handrails to prevent slips and falls.
• Awareness of emergency evacuation protocols. Ensure that everyone using a bus, drivers, teachers, students, and chaperones, are familiar with emergency evacuation procedures so it is clear how to exit the bus quickly and safely should a danger arise.

Even when careful precautions are taken, a school bus-related injury may put you in a situation where you need to seek damages for accident expenses.

Determining Who Can Be Held Accountable

When you share your story with a seasoned legal professional, one of the first things they will do is determine who is responsible for your injury-related expenses. For instance, the company responsible for operating and maintaining the school bus may be held accountable if an injury is a result of issues related to poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or inadequate driver training.

There is also the possibility of the school that hired the bus being held responsible if they did not screen companies adequately. And If a driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving or failure to adhere to traffic laws, results in injury, they may be held accountable as well. Discuss liability and your case with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney.

Did you board a school bus expecting a smooth ride but ended up needed medical care? The attorneys at Earnhart Law have over 30 years of experience, and they will use their extensive knowledge of Florida injury law to guide you through the legal process and hold responsible parties accountable. Schedule your free consultation today, call 561-265-2220 or contact us online.