Earlier this month, we wrote about holding negligent parties accountable for harm caused by bus accidents. It is important that victims utilize their legal options in the wake of injurious bus accidents, given that the harm that these accidents can inspire is often costly and long-lasting. However, the ideal scenario is that these accidents fail to occur in the first place.
One of the most important tools Oxnard motorists can use in aiming to prevent bus-related accidents is reacting properly when school buses stop to load and unload passengers. When school buses stop, extend their red stop sign arm and flash their lights, it is illegal for motorists to pass these buses in either direction. In addition, when buses stop but do not employ all of these visual safeguards, it remains important for motorists to stop or slow down substantially to avoid hitting children who may be crossing the street or running into the road.
When motorists fail to properly react to school buses which are loading or unloading kids and teens, they risk a multitude of disastrous consequences. First and most importantly, motorists risk harming school children, fellow motorists, bus passengers and themselves. Accidents too often cost individuals their health, their wellbeing or their lives.
Additionally, motorists can risk civil and criminal consequences for failing to stop for school buses. Even if no one is harmed as a result of this negligent act, motorists may be fined and even arrested for failing to obey related safety laws associated with school bus stop etiquette.
Source: Findlaw Law & Daily Life, “Not Stopping for a School Bus: Potential Legal Consequences,” Brett Snider, Aug. 18, 2014
