School Bus Accident Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois

School will be starting again soon. A prominent visual representation of the beginning of the academic year is the big, yellows school bus. Most likely, you will see several school buses in your community because twenty- five million students nationwide ride the bus to and from school, reports the National Safety Council. Fortunately, school buses are very safe. Riding a school bus is thirteen times safer than riding in a car and ten times safer than walking, reports the NSC. While these numbers are great, here are some ways to increase the likelihood that every child who waits for, rides on, and gets off the school bus remains safe.

Waiting for the School Bus

Consumer Reports recommends that your child should arrive for the bust stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Remind children to refrain any roughhousing or horseplay, so they can pay attention to traffic. When the bus approaches, kids should form a line and stand at least six feet away from the curb.

Riding on the School Bus

Kids should wait until the bus stops, and the doors open before entering. Children should use the handrail when getting onto the bus. Remind children to keep their body parts inside of the bus and to remove all books and bags from the aisles in order to prevent a tripping hazard and to keep potential emergency exit paths available, recommends the City of West Chicago. Also, impart to your child the importance of finding a seat and refraining from shouting, so the bus driver does not get distracted. Kids should wait for the bus to completely stop before standing.

Getting off the Bus

Just like when entering the bus, kids should use handrails when getting off the bus. However, children should make sure that clothing or backpacks don’t get caught in the handrails or doors. If a child has to cross a street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus before you cross. Also, the child should make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing. If a child drops something near the bus, the bus driver should be informed. The child should not try to pick up the item without telling the bus driver because he or she might not be able to see the child. Finally, kids should not walk behind the bus.

If you or a family member or friend were involved in an accident, please call our office for a free consultation so we can discuss your rights and how best to handle your injury claim. There is no charge for speaking with one of our experienced attorneys so call us at 312.422.0500.