Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Blog

Did you know that school buses in the United States provide almost nine million trips every year? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that students are eight times less likely to be involved in fatal road accidents when riding a school bus in comparison with riding other modes of transportation.

However, recent reports about accidents involving school buses have created doubts when it comes to our children’s safety. Many parents have realized that school buses are also vulnerable to road and traffic crashes.

Another motor vehicle collision was reported last Tuesday afternoon at about 3:45 p.m. at the intersection of 43rd and Northern avenues (AZ Central 3/29/11). The collision involved a Chrysler convertible and a full-size bus filled with special needs children.

The collision caused severe damage to the convertible and its driver, a 62-year old woman, sustained life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, the 15 children who were on the bus only suffered bumps and bruises from the accident, although the firefighters who responded on the scene evaluated their vital signs to ensure their condition. Another bus had to take the children to their homes from the accident scene.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collision.

One vital thing to consider to ensure your child’s safety while on a school bus is to make sure the school systems hire competent and trustworthy school bus drivers. There are many requirements that must be met before a driver becomes qualified to drive children. Just as important as the driver is the behavior of the children on board. Parents should also teach their children about safety procedures while on the school bus, because misbehaving children can be a distraction to the school bus driver and lead to an accident.