You get into your car to go to work. You’re running late, and you really need everything to go right to get to work on time. A couple of blocks from your house, you get stuck behind a school bus. Your frustration mounts as you realize that there is nothing you can do about the predicament you are in.
We’ve all been there. Late for work or for an important obligation and stuck in traffic, we can do nothing about. And with the kids back in school, rush hour traffic will only get heavier with all the school buses on the road.
Getting frustrated about rush hour traffic is understandable. But this is not an excuse to drive recklessly, especially when we encounter school buses. Our kids are too important, and we must do everything we can to make sure they are kept safe both inside and outside the classroom.
Here are some important tips for avoiding school bus accidents:
1. Give Yourself and Your Kids Plenty of Time in the Morning
Some of the greatest tragedies on the road happen because people are in a hurry. With that in mind, one of the best ways to avoid danger is to get in the habit of giving yourself and your kids out the door early. If you need to, wake up a little earlier, so you have plenty of time in the morning. Leave for work early, and make sure your kids get to the bus stop early as well. A good rule of thumb is to have them at the bus stop at least five minutes ahead of schedule. This will significantly reduce the chances of hazards like slipping, tripping, falling, and running in front of oncoming vehicles when they are trying to catch the bus.
2. Give Buses Plenty of Space
School buses are large vehicles, and they frequently slow down and make quick stops to pick up and drop off kids. They are also required to come to a complete stop at all railroad crossings. Drive slowly when you are behind a school bus, and never tailgate it. Always keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and theirs, so they can safely do their jobs.
3. Watch Out for Bicyclists and Pedestrians in School Zones
While most school-aged kids in Alabama ride the bus, some kids walk and ride their bikes to school. When you are driving through school zones, be mindful of all the young pedestrians and bicyclists who are traveling through, as well as those gathered around the bus stop waiting for the bus to arrive. Children are unpredictable, and you never know when a child might suddenly dash out into the middle of the street. Keep an eye out at all times for potential hazards like these.
4. Refrain from Distracted Driving
Picking up on the last point, it is pretty difficult to stay focused on potential traffic-related hazards when you are looking down at your cell phone every few seconds. Texting while driving is illegal in Alabama, and motorists should never engage in this type of behavior. This is especially true in school zones where there is so much activity going on during the morning and evening rush hours.
5. Follow Alabama School Bus Laws
Make sure you know, understand, and obey the laws in Alabama with regards to stopped school buses. In most cases, you are not allowed to pass a stopped school or church bus from the time the bus begins raising its signal arm until the signal arm is fully lowered again. This applies to all drivers who are behind a school bus, and most drivers who approach the bus from the other direction. The only exception is if you are driving on a four or six-lane divided highway that has a barrier or unpaved area dividing the directional lanes.
Passing a school bus illegally is not only a dangerous move, it is also one that could become very costly if you are cited for the violation. First-time offenders can receive fines starting of $150 to $300. For a second offense, fines range between $300 and $500 along with a 30-day driver’s license suspension, community service, and most likely significantly higher insurance rates. During the past few years, many school districts have installed stop-arm cameras in an effort to catch more drivers who commit this type of offense.
Injured in a School Bus Accident in Alabama? Contact the Law Offices of Troy King
If we follow all of the best safety practices, we can help reduce the chances of school bus accidents, so our kids can stay safe and focus on learning. Unfortunately, however, we can only control our own actions, and sometimes, the negligent or reckless actions of others result in serious accidents. If this has happened to you or someone close to you, you need strong legal counsel in your corner fighting hard to secure maximum compensation and to help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held fully accountable.
At the Law Offices of Troy King, we are here to help! We have been standing up for injury victims for many years, and we have a proven track record of success with even the most complex cases. Call our office today at (334) 215-4440 or message us through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You may also visit our Montgomery location in person at your convenience, or we will come to you.
