New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers: New School Year Brings New Dangers
As summer draws to a close, many look forward to the decrease in traffic and congested roadways. However, our New Jersey personal injury lawyers caution that the increase in school buses poses a different type of hazard to drivers and their children. Luckily, being aware of these dangers can prevent you from becoming a victim of a car accident in New Jersey.
Fortunately, school bus accidents are relatively rare. The National Safety Council maintains that the national school bus accident rate – at 0.01 per 100 million miles traveled – is far lower than the accident rate for trains (0.04), airplanes (0.06), and other passenger vehicles (0.96). To that end, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approximately 600 children lose their lives each year while traveling in a motor vehicle to and from school, but an average of just six children will suffer a fatal injury while making the same trip on a school bus. As a result, school buses are considered to be a generally safe mode of transportation.
These statistics are a cold comfort for the families of children who have been seriously or fatally injured in a school bus accident, however. School bus drivers have a duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner, but motorists must always yield to a school bus. When a school bus displays its flashing yellow lights, it is approaching or departing a bus stop. Drivers of motor vehicles must be prepared to stop even if the school bus continues to move. Additionally, drivers should always maintain a safe following distance.
Car Drivers Are More Likely To Sustain an Injury
A driver has plenty of incentive to steer clear of a school bus. By virtue of their sheer size, a school bus has the potential to cause grave injuries when striking a motor vehicle – no matter who was at fault. Accordingly, the NHTSA maintains that an average of 139 fatalities are reported from school bus accidents each year, and the vast majority of victims are occupants of other vehicles and not the school bus.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Represent All Victims of School Bus Accidents
If you or a loved one has been involved in a school bus accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation. New Jersey personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr will investigate your claim at no cost – whether you were a passing motorist, or the parent of a school bus passenger. Contact us today by calling 732-537-8570 or toll free at 877-249-4600, or complete our online form.
