School Bus Accidents and Prevention - Cherokee County Accident Lawyer

Aventura Auto Accident Lawyer Shares Insight on School Bus Accidents and Prevention

School Bus Accidents in Miami

Trusting a school bus driver with your child’s safety can be daunting, especially considering the initial unfamiliarity with them. While school buses are generally safe, accidents involving them are unfortunately common, posing risks not only while in motion but also during stops. In fact, the most perilous part of the journey, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, is embarking and disembarking due to hasty and negligent drivers.

Legal Aspects of School Bus Accidents

In Florida, it’s illegal for motorists to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Shockingly, the American School Bus Council reports that this rule is flouted by over ten million drivers annually. Florida law allows passing on the opposite side of a road if there’s at least five feet of unpaved space between lanes. However, violators face fines starting at $165 and four points on their license. Passing on the loading/unloading side can result in fines starting at $265. Despite penalties, accidents involving school buses continue to top the list of child injuries. Negligent drivers can face severe consequences such as community service, enrollment in driver improvement programs, license points, suspension, or hefty fines.

School Bus Safety Recommendations

Prevention is key in averting accidents. While perfection isn’t attainable, certain measures can reduce risks. Perazzo Law Firm advises parents to:

Familiarize themselves with their child’s bus route.
Instruct children not to walk behind buses.
Maintain ample space in front of the bus when walking.
Ensure children wait until the bus stops entirely before boarding.
Confirm proper seatbelt usage and remaining seated during the journey.
Inquire about bus routes, drivers, and bus conditions.

School Bus Drivers’ Role

Although accidents may result from negligent motorists or poorly maintained buses, school bus drivers can also be liable for injuries. Despite stringent regulations, negligent drivers exist, with distractions like cell phones proving challenging to avoid. Given the increased traffic, the demand for more drivers has risen, necessitating rigorous training to ensure safe transportation. Requirements for school bus drivers include proper licensing, clean records, and adherence to regulations, with regular checks and drug screenings. Responsible driving is paramount, with any negligence potentially leading to legal repercussions for injuries or losses incurred by students or other passengers.

If your child, has suffered bodily harm from an accident involving a school bus, in Miami, the Perazzo Law Firm urges you or the child’s legal guardian to contact our Miami or North Miami Beach offices ONLINE or CALL (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial consultation.

The Perazzo Law Firm offers ZERO-OUT-OF-POCKET costs for its school bus accident clients. No Win, No FEES representation.

THE PERAZZO LAW FIRM – DEDICATED TO PUTTING YOUR INTERESTS FIRST, ALWAYS!

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