There was an accident involving a charter bus in Covington, Kentucky on April 25, 2024. The accident occurred at the intersection of Martin Luther King and Scott Street. According to reports, a bicyclist was crossing the street when the charter bus entered the intersection, running over him. The victim has been identified as Jonathon Hussing.
Charter buses, while essential for transporting large groups efficiently, pose significant dangers to pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly in urban environments. The size and design of these vehicles can create unique hazards that require both drivers and nearby pedestrians and cyclists to exercise extreme caution.
One of the primary risks is related to visibility. Charter buses have significant blind spots that can easily obscure pedestrians and cyclists, especially near the front and right-hand side of the vehicle. This makes it challenging for bus drivers to see smaller, non-motorized road users when making turns or when pulling in and out of bus stops. Accidents often occur when a bus turns right and a bicyclist is riding in the bike lane or close to the curb — a phenomenon known as a ‘right-hook’ collision. Similarly, pedestrians crossing in front of a stationary bus at a stop may not be visible to a driver preparing to pull away, leading to potentially fatal consequences.
Another concern is the physical size and weight of charter buses, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities in the event of a collision. Due to their mass, buses require longer distances to stop, and their impact can be devastating, especially at higher speeds. Urban areas, where pedestrians and cyclists are more concentrated, see higher risks of such incidents. Cyclists, in particular, may also face dangers from buses pulling over to the curb to drop off passengers, potentially pinning a cyclist against the curb or forcing them to make sudden and unsafe maneuvers into traffic.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential for charter bus drivers to receive training focused on urban driving and awareness of pedestrians and cyclists. Cities can also improve infrastructure by designing roads and intersections that better accommodate the mix of buses, pedestrians, and cyclists. This includes implementing advanced traffic light systems, dedicated bus lanes that are well-marked, and protected bicycle lanes. Moreover, public awareness campaigns can educate all parties about the dangers and encourage safer behaviors, such as making eye contact and using signals to communicate intentions clearly. These measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure safer coexistence between charter buses and more vulnerable road users.
Unfortunately, accidents involving charter busses have become more and more prevalent. There was an accident involving a charter bus and multiple other vehicles in Austin, Texas on March 1, 2024. A charter bus struck and killed a pedestrian at a bus terminal in Lafayette, Louisiana on March 31, 2024. There was an accident involving a charter bus in Hancock County, Mississippi on April 5, 2024. A charter bus ran off the roadway in Greensville County, Virginia on April 20, 2024. There was an accident involving a charter bus in Palm Beach County, Florida on April 23, 2024.
Safety considerations must take precedence to ensure that anyone relying on charter transportation remains safe. Safe bus operators must consider take necessary precautions to ensure that their busses do not put the lives of passengers at risk. The risks of catastrophic injury should always be considered by safe vessel operators. When charter operators fail to account for the known hazards of the industry catastrophic injuries or deaths can result. Safe companies must hire and train only individuals who can carry out the work without putting at risk the lives of dozens of passengers. A responsible driver must drive at appropriate speeds based on the weather conditions, and only drive when it is safe to do so. Failing to do so can have catastrophic results.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have previously handled cases involving bus crashes. Our attorneys have extensive experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.