Recent Rash of School Bus Accidents Nationwide Raises Concerns

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on March 22, 2012

In the past week, the United States saw four bus accidents in just two days. In Indiana, a student and a driver were both killed when a school bus crashed into a bridge support. In Missouri, eleven students suffered broken bones and other injuries when their bus rolled into a ditch, the result of a distracted driver. Washington State and Ohio also saw crashes that left dozens of students injured, some seriously.

With this sudden increase in school bus accidents come concerns from parents nationwide about the safety of traveling by school bus. However, experts say that the accident rate is a fluke. Normally, school buses have a much lower rate of accidents and injuries than other forms of motor vehicle travel. Although most school buses are not equipped with seat belts, they are equipped with a great deal of safety equipment, including lights and signs, and most drivers are committed to the safety of their passengers above all else.

Nevertheless, about 17,000 children are treated for school bus accident injuries each year, leading many to question whether a federal law should require seat belts in all school buses. Currently, only buses under 10,000 pounds are required to have seat belts under federal law, although six states also require them in all buses.

The road to recovery can be long and difficult after a serious school bus accident. At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our Seattle school bus accident attorneys understand the struggles injured victims face and we are dedicated to obtaining just compensation so that you and your family can focus on healing. For a free and confidential consultation, call us today at (888) 228-3860.