The bus is a fantastic means of green transportation, saving money for many commuters, as well as protecting the environment by reducing the number of vehicles on the road. When roads are slippery due to ice and snow during the wintertime, bus riders may face risks of which they should be aware.
Buses Take More Time to Stop Safely
One of the biggest risks for bus riding in the winter is that unlike traditional passenger cars, buses are larger and heavier than most other vehicles. As such, they take longer to stop than regular cars and require a greater distance to come to a full stop, even in ideal weather conditions. Because slippery roads can increase stopping distance for all vehicles, a bus may be at a higher risk of accident based on its inability to stop as quickly as it needs to. While rear-end accidents aren’t usually serious, a bus driver may attempt to swerve to avoid hitting another vehicle, which could lead to a more dangerous accident for the riders on the bus.
Buses are Often Without Seatbelts
Buses are often designed without seatbelts, making them dangerous during any season. However, because winter driving is particularly risky because of the weather – the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 23 percent of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. are weather-related – not wearing a seatbelt can be dangerous.
Bus Riders Might Slip and Fall Getting On or Off the Bus
All pedestrians may be at increased risk during risky winter weather. As pedestrians get on the bus, the steps might be slippery or when they step off the bus, the pavement or sidewalk may be slippery as well. This can present a slip and fall risk. And as bus riders get on and off the bus, they may bring water into the bus, making the bus floors slippery.
How a Bus Accident Attorney Can Help if You are Hurt
Bus accidents and injuries happen, but that doesn’t mean they have to. Too often, someone acting negligently causes bus accidents. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident and another party is to blame, the bus accident attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC, can help you get to the bottom of who caused the accident, which parties may be liable and what type of compensation you may be able to recover. For legal help, call us immediately at 215-642-2335 or fill out our contact form.
