While rare, bus accidents can and do happen. As a passenger, you have little control if a collision occurs. However, you can take steps to protect yourself and minimize injury if the bus crashes. Being prepared and knowing what to do can greatly improve your chances of avoiding major harm. Follow these safety tips from our accident injury lawyers to fully prepare yourself in the event of a bus accident.
Research the Company’s Safety Record
If you regularly ride with a particular bus company, research their safety history and any past lawsuits or crashes that have been dealt with by a reputable bus accident attorney Pearland TX. Operators with frequent accidents likely have underlying safety issues or inadequate driver training. You can pressure the company to correct any safety gaps you discover through complaints. Avoiding chronically unsafe bus operators is the best prevention.
Avoid Overcrowded and Poorly Maintained Buses
Before boarding any bus, quickly assess its condition. Watch for issues like bald tires, cracked windows, leaking fluids, damaged exterior panels or pieces held together with tape. Overcrowded buses should also raise concerns, as passengers won’t be able to brace properly in a crash. Standing passengers can even be thrown upon impact. If the condition seems risky, wait for a newer bus with empty seats. You can also file safety complaints on cracked, dirty or obviously neglected vehicles. Riding in poorly maintained or jam-packed buses unnecessarily jeopardizes your safety. Your observant eye could spur improvements.
Avoid Buses in Extreme Weather
If your area is experiencing severe storms, flooding, blizzard conditions or other dangerous weather, try to avoid bus transport until the conditions improve. Buses have more risk of skidding or not stopping in time in wet, icy or snowy conditions. Their long shape catches gusty winds like a sail. Wait out the storm if possible before riding. If you must travel, allow for delays, slow speeds and potential rerouting by the bus operator. Use extra caution when boarding and exiting during precipitation. Extreme weather significantly increases accident risks, so avoid buses when possible.
Watch for Signs of an Intoxicated Driver
While rare, bus drivers have operated vehicles while intoxicated, putting passengers at risk. Be vigilant for signs of intoxication like swerving, delayed braking, rapid acceleration or stopping for no reason. Also note slurred speech, confusion giving directions, stumbling and any smell of alcohol. Discreetly report concerning behaviors to the bus company. Refuse to ride if you suspect the driver is impaired, citing safety concerns. Waiting for the next bus takes time, but it avoids potential tragedy. Your observations could prevent disaster.
Choose a Safer Seat
Where you sit can truly impact your safety if the bus stops suddenly or wrecks. Opt for seats in the middle section, surrounded by other passengers on all sides. This provides more support from impact compared to seats on the ends or solo rows. Avoid seats that are directly over the wheels, as this area receives greater force upon impact. Also, steer clear of seats near emergency exits, which can eject passengers in a crash. Skip seats without a seatback in front of you to brace against. Analyze seat options when boarding to choose the safest spot.
Secure Your Seat Belt
Many passengers ignore seatbelts on buses, but buckling up could truly save your life in a collision. Unbelted riders can be fatally ejected or slammed into bus objects during crashes. Make sure to properly secure any small children into seat belts or car seats as well. While seatbelts cannot guarantee total safety, they significantly improve your odds of avoiding major injury or death if an accident occurs. Form the habit of using seatbelts, even for short rides. Encourage fellow riders to buckle up too – it helps protect everyone.
Identify Emergency Exits
Make sure to note where all emergency exit windows and doors are located when you board. Mentally count the rows to the exits behind and ahead of you. The exits may be hard to spot in darkness, or they may be obscured by smoke after an accident. Avoid completely blocking the aisles with your bags or feet so passengers can freely reach exits. Read any provided bus safety cards and listen to exit instructions. This prevents confusion and delays if a hasty evacuation becomes necessary.
Follow Exit Protocols
In the chaos after an accident, follow any established evacuation protocols. Check for hazards like fire or smoke before proceeding, and then unbuckle yourself and others. Walk calmly or crawl to the nearest exit if needed to safely reach it. Assist injured passengers in remaining calm and making their way out if possible or notify the first responders of anyone who is still trapped. While time is critical, avoiding panicked pushing prevents clogs at exits. Calmly reviewing protocols results in orderly evacuation.
Remain Hypervigilant on Overnight Trips
Long overnight bus trips require remaining alert in case of a fatigued or impaired driver. Avoid distractions like movies or headphones so you can spot any drifting lanes or careless driving. Report concerning driver behaviors like swerving, speeding or seeming intoxicated to the operator immediately. Request a stop to switch drivers if needed. Staying awake and watchful on lengthy trips provides an extra margin of safety and ability to prepare for a potential crash.
While no one expects their bus ride to end in an accident, taking key precautions greatly improves your chances of avoiding major injury if one occurs. Staying alert, selecting safe seating, and knowing evacuation protocols means you can react correctly in an emergency. Keep these bus crash safety tips in mind so you can minimize harm to yourself and fellow passengers if the worst occurs. Taking preventative measures could ultimately save lives.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, a bus accident lawyer Pearland TX from our team will fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Let us handle your bus accident case.
Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today on 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946).
