With hundreds of thousands of children across the metro Atlanta region now back at school, it is important for motorists, parents and other stakeholders to focus on looking out for school buses and keeping children safe. Unfortunately, every year there are car accidents near school buses in which children are killed or injured.
As a motorist, know the rules to follow when it comes to sharing the roads with school buses. School buses are some of the most regulated vehicles on our streets, and, therefore, are subject to a number of rules and regulations. Motorists in Georgia and other states are also required to follow the rules when they share the roads with these massive vehicles and their precious cargo, in order to avoid auto accidents.
When you are following a school bus, look out for the flashing lights. Yellow lights mean that the bus is preparing to slow down, which means that you need to slow down and prepare to stop as well. A red light means that children are being picked up or dropped off. You must remain stopped while the red light is on and the Stop arm is extended. Wait till the bus actually starts moving before you start your car and move ahead too.
Be especially careful when you are driving around school zones. These areas will have lowered speed limits which you must obey at all times. Be especially careful when it comes to school opening and closing hours when there is likely to be more traffic in these areas, increasing your car accident risks.
As a parent, make sure that your child is aware of all the rules as they pertain to school bus safety. Teach your child to stand at least five large steps away from the curb, and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting on. He or she must wait for the driver’s signal to board before he gets on the bus. Also teach your child to get off the bus only after the bus has come to a complete stop and to cross the road safely after leaving the bus.
If your child chooses to ride to school, make sure he is wearing a certified and well -fitting bicycle helmet every time he rides his bicycle. He must always ride in the same direction as traffic, and use bike lanes whenever possible. He must follow all traffic signals and stops.
Children may have a much higher risk of suffering personal injuries or being killed when they are involved in auto accidents. Therefore, it is imperative that motorists look out for child pedestrians while driving, especially around school neighborhoods.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for damages that include medical costs, lost income and other types of compensation. Talk to a lawyer at our firm and discuss your case.