School Bus Accident IN JACKSON, MS

School buses are designed to safely transport children to and from school. Statistically speaking, they’re a much safer option than traditional passenger occupant vehicles. Although they’re fairly safe, as far as large yellow vehicles go, they’re still not totally without risk. In fact, one of the most dangerous parts of riding a school bus is getting on and off of it. Parents can talk to their kids about safe school bus behaviors and also about the dangers and risks associated with school buses. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible about your case.

School Bus Safety

Thankfully, school buses are pretty well designed to safely transport children. They’re large, highly visible and have shock-absorbing tall seat backs to protect children in the event of a crash. This means that in most cases of school bus accidents, children will be relatively protected from severe or catastrophic injury. These types of accidents could include distracted drivers, careless drivers, minor fender benders or other types of accidents occurring at relatively low speeds. It’s important to note that accidents involving school bus rollovers or anything else more serious could involve moderate to severe injuries to the small occupants inside.

School Bus Crash Facts

• 75 school-aged pedestrians are killed each year during school travel. 
• 21 school-aged bicyclists are killed in crashes each year during school travel. 
• Three children between the ages of 5 and 18 years old die as non-occupants each year during school travel. (Not walking or biking, maybe on skateboard, scooter or sitting on car) 
• 4 school-aged children are killed each year while occupants of school buses or other vehicles used as school buses during school travel. 
• 490 school-aged children are killed each year during school travel while occupants in passenger vehicles. 

The Danger Zone

The most dangerous part of riding a school bus is getting on and off of it. The “Danger Zone” is the 10-foot radius extending all around the vehicle. It is difficult for bus drivers to see children in the “Danger Zone.” This area is also where children might be struck by careless drivers who aren’t stopping for the flashing lights and stop sign of a school bus. This is where child pedestrian injuries and fatalities occur. This is why it’s absolutely critical for school administrators, bus drivers and parents to talk to students and children about staying safe in the “Danger Zone.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a variety of tips for how children can stay safe around school buses.