School is back in season, which means hundreds of thousands of children throughout Indiana are being driven to and from school. There are a number of tips that students, drivers, and parents should keep in mind to promote safety this year.
For children, it is important to arrive at the bus stop with plenty of time to spare so that they do not have to sprint to catch the bus. Once they arrive, children should stay at least 6 feet from the curb until the bus completely stops. Only then is it safe to begin boarding. Children should also avoid roughhousing near bus stops, as it is easy for them to lose their balance and fall into the street.
Motorists also need to be aware of their responsibilities when driving near school buses, understanding that a yellow flashing light on the back of a bus means the vehicle is about to stop. When it does, the lights flash red and a stop sign is extended from the left-hand side. It is illegal and extremely unsafe to pass a bus when it stops to pick up or drop off children.
Bus drivers and bus companies are also responsible for keeping children safe throughout the school year. Drivers must be properly trained and have correct licenses to operate their vehicles on Indiana roads and highways, and bus companies must ensure that the drivers they hire are qualified, and that routine maintenance is performed on each bus.
It is important that everyone work together in an effort to keep children safe, both in and around school buses. However, if a loved one is injured in a bus accident, you need an attorney that can aggressively pursue your or your family's claim. Do not hesitate to contact Gardner & Rans P.C. today at 574-233-6035. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case.