There was an accident involving a University of Louisiana at Lafayette transport bus in Lafayette, Louisiana on September 4, 2024. According to reports, the bus was making a turn when it hit two students. The students were taken to a hospital for treatment. The incident remains under investigation.
The risk of a turning bus hitting pedestrians is a serious safety concern, particularly in urban environments where buses frequently navigate through crowded intersections and pedestrian-heavy areas. Due to their size and wide turning radius, buses can create blind spots for drivers, making it difficult to see pedestrians crossing the street. This risk is amplified when pedestrians enter a crosswalk just as the bus is making a turn, especially if they are in the driver’s blind spot. In such cases, the bus may strike a pedestrian who is unaware of the impending danger, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Another contributing factor to the risk of a turning bus hitting pedestrians is the complex nature of intersections. Many intersections are busy with multiple traffic signals, turning vehicles, and crossing pedestrians. Bus drivers, who must focus on navigating the large vehicle through these spaces, may become overwhelmed by the amount of activity, increasing the chances of missing a pedestrian crossing. Additionally, pedestrians may assume that they have the right of way, entering the crosswalk without realizing that a bus is turning into their path. Miscommunication or misunderstanding between drivers and pedestrians in these situations can result in tragic accidents.
Visibility is another key issue that increases the risk of a bus hitting a pedestrian while turning. The length and height of buses create significant blind spots, particularly on the right side, where pedestrians are most often struck. This problem is exacerbated during poor weather conditions or at night when visibility is reduced. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing or standing in poorly lit areas may not be visible to the bus driver, heightening the risk of an accident. Even when drivers are trained to check for pedestrians, the size of the bus and the layout of the intersection may prevent them from seeing everyone in time.
To reduce the risk of turning bus accidents involving pedestrians, safety measures must be implemented. Bus drivers need ongoing training on managing blind spots and navigating safely through pedestrian zones. City planners can improve intersection designs by providing clearer signals for both drivers and pedestrians, creating safer turning lanes, and using technology such as pedestrian detection systems on buses. Pedestrians should also be encouraged to remain vigilant when crossing streets near buses, ensuring they are fully visible to the driver and waiting for buses to complete their turns before entering the crosswalk.
Unfortunately, accidents involving charter busses have become more and more prevalent. A charter bus caught fire in Earlham, Iowa on August 2, 2024. Seven people were killed when a charter bus overturned near Bovina, Mississippi on August 31, 2024. A charter bus caught fire in Lafayette, Louisiana on September 2, 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.