Safety Tips for Driving Around a School Bus

Here’s a List of Safety Tips You Should Consider Taking When Driving Near a School Bus in California

The purpose of establishing school bus safety rules is to prevent passengers from sustaining serious or fatal injuries. It is required for drivers surrounding a school bus to drive with extra caution to ensure that the children remain safe and sound when entering or exiting the vehicle. Below, we have created a list of safety tips all drivers should take into consideration when driving near a school bus.

If your child was involved in a school bus accident and you would like to pursue legal actions against the party at-fault, our qualified Los Angeles bus accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are readily available to offer legal assistance. We will help strengthen your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Safety Tips for Driving Around a School Bus

Drivers must follow a set of safety rules to prevent accidents from happening. This includes the following.

• Do not stay in the bus’s blind spot. School buses typically have blind spots that could be in its front, back, or sides. If you do not have a clear view of the bus driver when looking at the side mirror, then make the assumption that they are not able to see you either. An individual caught in this type of circumstance should either slow down or move ahead to remain visible to the bus driver. If you are moving ahead, use caution when doing so. 
• Pass safely. Make sure you have a good visual of the bus driver through their side mirror prior to passing them. You should signal when you are moving and accelerate to pass by the bus in a safe manner. Do not stay behind in the blind spot. You need to be visible to the bus driver before you try to pull in front, but make sure you have extra space before doing so. 

If you notice a bus driver trying to merge into your lane, give them extra space to 

go in front of you. Speeding up to pass them is dangerous. Not only are you 

putting yourself at risk of an accident, but you are risking the bus driver and 

passengers’ lives, as well.

• Do not cut too close to the bus. Do not make a fast lane change. The likelihood of a collision between you and the bus driver will increase. You need to give bus drivers enough time to react when you are making an attempt at cutting in front of them. 
• Distance yourself from the bus. Avoid tailgating a school bus, especially since it puts you in a blind spot. Failing to stop in time will cause your vehicle to get into an accident with the bus.
• Remain patient. Even though buses do not drive as fast as other vehicles, you should not use that as an excuse to honk or get frustrated. You need to put your focus on following the rules of the road. Stay patient and drive safely to avoid any mishaps from occurring. 
• Wear your seat belt. You should wear your seat belt at all times. This will lower your chances of suffering from a serious injury. 
• Stay focused on the road. Avoid getting distracted by a text or call. A distracted driver is the equivalent to an impaired driver. Your phone is not as important as your life. Put your full attention on the road.
• Do not drive while fatigued. Lack of sleep can greatly affect your driving skills. Drivers who are fatigued will have a difficult time putting their focus on the road when their eyes are constantly shutting from being restless. Try to take regular breaks if you are driving while fatigued. You could also have another individual drive you to your destination.
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Being intoxicated or on drugs while operating a vehicle will get you into serious consequences. You are creating a dangerous environment for you and others nearby. 

If you are taking prescribed drugs, make sure to speak to your doctor about the effects it could have on you when you are driving your car. 

Fines and Penalties for Road Rule Violations

Under California Vehicle Code 42001, consequences for driving infractions are:

• First offense. You will get a fine of up to $100.
• Second offense. You will receive a fine of up to $200.
• Third offense. You will have your license suspended for 1 year and a fine of up to $250.

Additional fines and penalties a driver could face when violating the rules of the road include:

California Vehicle Code 22348. Any driver who is on the road at a speed greater than 100 miles per hour will be charged with a fine of up to $500 and a 30-day license suspension. If the second offense occurs within three years of the prior offense, the driver will face a fine of up to $750 and a 6-month license suspension. If a driver commits a third offense within five years of two or more prior offenses, then they will be given a fine of up to $1,000 and a one-year license suspension.

California Vehicle Code 23123.5. Those who are holding or using an electronic device while operating a vehicle will face charges for violating the rules of the road. A first offense is a $20 fine and every other offense following after will be a $50 fine.

California Vehicle Code 27315. No individual is allowed to operate a vehicle until they have their seat belts on. First offenders who violate this law will receive a fine of $20. Second and subsequent offenses will be given a $50 fine. 

Contact Us

If you or a loved one were a victim of a bus accident, our expert team of bus accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you recover compensation for damages you have suffered. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. 

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.