According to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 135 people are killed in school transportation-related crashes each year. Most of these fatalities occurred between the hours of seven and eight in the morning and between three and four in the afternoon. For example, between the years of 2003 and 2012, over 1,200 people were killed in school transportation-related accidents, many of these children. While this statistic only amounts to approximately half of one percent of the total 348,253 fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes that occurred between those years, the thought of these accidents is terrifying.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for many years did not find seat belts were needed on school buses. However, that position has recently changed. Federal law does not require seat belts on most school buses, which some say sufficiently protect students due to the way they are designed. However, school buses do not always protect children in certain types of crashes or rollovers. For this reason, many safety organizations now recommend seat belts on school buses.
While federal law does not require seat belts, more and more states are beginning to require seat belts in school buses. This year, many states have introduced legislation that would make seat belts mandatory, at least in newly manufactured school buses. However, some lawmakers question whether seat belts may slow students down to evacuate in an emergency. Right now, only six states — California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, and Texas — have laws requiring seat belts on school buses, and even then, some of these states have not provided the necessary funds for the schools to complete the required upgrades.
School Bus Full of Students Involved in Accident
According to a recent news article, last month, a driver crashed into the back of a school bus at around 7:30 on a Monday morning. At the time of the accident, the bus was full of students. According to police, there were 41 students on the bus at the time of the crash, 15 of whom were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. Police say the driver is facing charges, including failure to yield to a school bus while its lights were flashing, as well as careless driving.
The mother of one of the children involved in the accident told reporters that her son was on the bus and that he called her from someone else’s cell phone after the crash occurred. According to her, he told her that he was laughing with friends on the bus when they were hit. He said the bus was stopped at the time it was hit. He also told his mother that he was scared and said, “I don’t know if I can get on the bus now.” The school district’s assistant superintendent urged people to slow down when they see a school bus in order to protect the “precious cargo” aboard.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Truck or Bus Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a bus or truck accident, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At the Fine Law Firm, our skilled lawyers are dedicated advocates with years of experience successfully handling personal injury cases on behalf of our clients. Through zealous representation, our attorneys can help seek the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact us through our online form or call us at 505-889-FINE to schedule your free consultation with an experienced personal injury advocate. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation on your part unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Fatal Bus Accident May Have Been Caused By Texting Driver, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, April 5, 2017.
The Impact and Implications of Drug Use Among Truck Drivers in New Mexico, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, March 28, 2017.