Dangers of Buses

Many do not think twice when they get on a bus – whether it be on a commercial bus for a short trip instead of taking an airplane, getting on a bus for a church outing, or putting their child on a school bus. What many of us do not think about is how dangerous busses can actually be. CNN reported recently that 18 children and 2 adults were killed in Beijing when an overloaded school bus collided with a gas coal truck. The bus involved was a nine-seater minibus with 64 people on board at the time of the accident. In addition to the 18 deaths, another 45 people were injured and are being treated at a hospital.

Recently there have been a number of reported bus accidents and incidents in the US. In New York, a Jeep Cherokee and a school bus near the 4900 block on New York Avenue collided and send two children to the hospital. The children hit their heads during the collision. There was another Bus accident in Northern Missouri on the same day. This accident occurred on the freeway with a pick up truck, but luckily no one was injured.

Here are some good safety tips to keep in mind while on the bus:

ON THE BUS:

• Go directly to a seat. Remain seated and facing forward for the entire ride.
• Talk quietly (so the driver will not be distracted).
• If you need to talk to the bus driver: wait for the bus to stop, raise your hand, and call the driver's name.
• Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Never play with the emergency exits.
• Keep the aisles clear at all times.
• If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

Sources: http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/16/world/asia/china-bus-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t3, http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_213604.asp, http://www.gallatinnorthmissourian.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=33511&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0, and http://www.aboutschool.com/busstop.htm

Shea & Shea is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm located in San Jose, California. The firm has extensive experience in representing individuals and their families in cases involving catastrophic injuries including wrongful death and traumatic brain injury. Since 1966, Shea & Shea have successfully represented the seriously injured and their families in both state and federal courts. To learn more, visit us at www.Shea-Shea.com or telephone 888-989-SHEA.