Safety Tips for Michigan Buses

Crashes involving buses are often severe and may lead to injuries for each entity involved. While bus drivers are not always at fault for a crash, there are certain steps that both parent pedestrians and motorists can do to help avoid an accident.

However, if you were injured in bus wreck as a pedestrian, passenger, or motorist, consider contacting a Michigan accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. A compassionate attorney could help to assess the facts of your case and explain how you may proceed with a claim.

Ways to Prevent Bus Wrecks

At Buckfire & Buckfire, our attorneys have suggested ways to prevent accidents involving buses. This include, where applicable:

• Try to walk your child to the bus stop—wait for them to board, then meet them when they get dropped off in the afternoon
• Wait for a bus to come to a complete stop before leaving your seat
• Make sure to look both ways when crossing
• Make sure your child knows to walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus to allow more visibility to the driver of the people unloading
• If driving, always stop for a bus when appropriate and indicated to do so
• If driving, slow down and be alert if you see people gathering near a bus stop

School Bus Safety

Although school bus accidents are less frequent than crashes with other types of buses, parents and children should still be aware of the possible dangers presented by these vehicles. The National Safety Council has provided the following safety tips to help children and their parents behave safely on and around school buses. These include tips for getting on and off a bus.

Getting on the School Bus

• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness and distraction. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property
• Line up away from the street or road where the school bus picks up
• Before stepping onto the roadway, wait until the bus has made a complete stop and the doors have opened

Getting off the School Bus

• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road until you can turn around and see the driver
• Make sure that the driver can see you
• Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross the street
• When the driver signals, walk across the road keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Stay away from the bus’ rear wheels at all times

Call a Lawyer to Discuss Safety Tips for Michigan Buses

It is important for each pedestrian, motorist, child, and parent in Michigan to behave safely and follow safety tips when on or near buses. By being alert and conscientious, you could actively work to avoid and prevent bus accident injuries.

However, if you or a loved one was injured in a bus crash, a seasoned Michigan lawyer could help you pursue compensation. To discuss safety tips or building a legal claim, call an attorney at Buckfire & Buckfire today to schedule a consultation.