Are school buses safe?
School bus injuries can be devastating. While laws and regulations have drastically improved the design and safety features of most vehicles, the basic design of school buses, including the absence of seatbelts, has not changed since the 1970s. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the current design of school buses best protects children in front and rear end accidents. Children are much more vulnerable in side impact crashes.
Why don’t buses have seatbelts?
Research by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration indicates that properly used lap and shoulder belts could decrease bus passenger head injuries. However, while seatbelts have been required on passenger cars and trucks for decades, there is no federal law requiring that school buses be equipped with seatbelts, and most buses in use today are not.
Thus, school buses are one of the last remaining forms of automobile transportation for which belts are not required and for which passengers typically ride without safety belts. The absence of these belts has continued despite studies suggesting that belts would improve student safety.
Are states doing anything about this?
Yes. Individual states have begun recognizing the tremendous danger posed by unsecured student passengers. In Texas, school buses purchased by individual school districts after Sept. 1, 2010 must be equipped with safety belts.
Are there special requirements for the bus drivers?
According to Texas Education Code - Section 34.008 Texas requires its school bus drivers "to have the qualifications required by and to be certified in accordance with standards established by the Department of Public Safety." In addition, the Texas Administrative Code – Chapter 14 outlines the requirements for Texas bus drivers. There are many requirements such as meeting stringent driving record requirements, as well as undergoing criminal background checks.
Why should I call a lawyer if my child is hurt in a bus accident?
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, you have important legal rights and deserve to fully understand your options. When a qualified attorney is able to prove the accident resulted from negligence or carelessness, survivors of school bus can often receive financial compensation for their injuries.
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, we can answer all of your questions and help you through every step of this process. The bus accident attorney at the Wyly Law Firm will provide you with dedicated representation and help you ensure that your child receives the compensation and justice that he or she deserves.
The Houston, Texas bus accident lawyer at The Wyly Law Firm has the experience and expertise necessary to provide you with excellent representation. Call us today at 713.574.7034 or use our online contact form. We've helped hundreds of injured Texans throughout our area, including accident victims in Harris County, Beaumont, Baytown, Galveston, Pasadena and Houston.
