The driver of a Russell County Alabama school bus is being called a hero after keeping her bus upright when she collided with a car last August. The bus, which was transporting 44 children never rolled over when it was hit head-on by a car that crossed the centerline. The bus driver prevented mass injuries to the children on board. Sadly, the 17-year-old driver of the Honda Accord was killed in the crash.
Residents who live on Alabama 169 where the crash occurred say that stretch of highway is dangerous with tight curves, steep hills and large dips. The speed limit is 55, but most everyone goes much faster. The motor vehicle accident occurred on one of the more dangerous curves and is not the first crash to have happened there.
Unfortunately, this likely will not be the only Alabama bus accident to occur this school year, but motorists can take several steps to help avoid school bus accidents.
Tips to Keep Our Children and Our Roads Safer
Don't follow school buses too closely. School buses make frequent stops. Keep your distance and follow the warning lights and stop signs posted on the bus. Kids come from every direction so be alert.
Stay where the bus driver can see you. Buses have large turning radiuses. If the driver knows you are nearby you can avoid being hit when the bus turns or changes lanes. If you notice a bus turning in front of you, slow down and give the bus driver the time and space needed to make proper turns.
Slow down and use caution at bus stops. Wait patiently for the bus to turn off its stopping lights and then look for children and parents who may be walking along side of or crossing the road. Treat bus stops like school safety zones.
Once we accept that school buses may be slow and stop frequently we will see a decrease in the number of Alabama motor vehicle accidents involving buses. The truth of the matter is everyone loses when a car collides with a bus. Be patient, be smart and take your time. The children on that bus may be your neighbors or your own.
