Potential Causes of Bus Accidents & How to Prevent Them
The best way to protect yourself while driving on Maryland’s road is to be defensive and proactive. Not taking the right level of care while operating a motor vehicle can have devastating consequences for those involved, from the injured parties to the witnesses on the scene. But you can do your part to keep Baltimore roads safe by being aware of potential causes of bus accidents and preventing them from occurring.
Let the car accident attorneys at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy help you stay safe by highlighting some contributing factors to bus accidents and providing practical tips on how to minimize the risk of being involved. Check out our other driver safety tips and contact us if you need legal assistance!
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue can easily be an underlying contributing factor to Baltimore auto accidents of any kind. Long hours, irregular schedules, and insufficient rest can potentially impair a driver’s ability to react effectively on the road; a split-second decision is all it takes to avoid an accident, but driver fatigue can hinder this reaction. But our Maryland accident injury lawyers know these type of tiredness can be avoided and the roads can be much safer by taking the following steps:
- If you are a bus driver, let your supervisor know when you feel fatigue and other similar symptoms
- Make sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel
- Stay hydrated all throughout the day and especially when the weather is warm
- Be cautious of your caffeine intake to avoid a crash in energy levels
- Avoid medications that may induce drowsiness
Remember, driver fatigue is a serious concern that can greatly increase the risk of accidents. But if you are involved in an incident like this, our auto accident lawyers can help you move forward.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving also prevents a driver from reacting fast enough and slowing down when a bus is stopping to pick up passengers. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or using electronic devices while driving, it all poses a significant risk that can result in damage to your vehicle and even injury. Ensuring you stay fully focused on the road in front of you and on everything happening around your vehicle is key to avoiding an accidental collision with a bus.
Learn more about how you can be safe while driving around buses now!
Speeding and Reckless Driving
When you’re running late to an appointment or are otherwise in a hurry, but you’re stuck behind a bus, it can be easy to whip around them and get back on your way. But this reckless driving and speeding can actually be very dangerous; buses are not only larger than standard vehicles and weigh more, but have a more difficult time maneuvering in tight spaces.
Our Murphy, Falcon & Murphy car accident attorneys recommend being mindful of this and avoiding speeding up or getting too close to buses. Make sure you take every opportunity to be safe when in areas where buses operate, including:
- Observing speed limits at all times and adjusting your speed according to road conditions
- Maintaining a safe following distance from the bus in front of you
- Avoiding sudden lane changes or other aggressive maneuvers
- Being patient and allowing sufficient time for your journey
Failure to Yield
Since city buses and school buses are larger vehicles, it’s even more important to yield when you encounter them on Maryland roads. Whether it’s at intersections, when you’re attempting to merge, or close to a school zone, it’s important to yield, since failure to do so can result in an accident. But you can eliminate the need to speak with our accident injury lawyers by being very careful and giving buses the right-of-way. Make sure you:
- Follow traffic rules and signals, always yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles when required
- Be attentive and cautious when entering intersections
- Use your turn signals well in advance and give the bus you’re passing plenty of space
Learn More About Avoiding Bus Accidents
Preventing bus accidents requires a multi-faceted approach. But by doing your part every day, you can minimize the risk of bus accidents in Baltimore and the surrounding neighborhoods. Browse our Murphy, Falcon & Murphy blog for more valuable tips and resources on how to avoid bus accidents and contact us for a free consultation now!