Tips to Drive Safely Around Buses
As a driver on Maryland roads, it’s important to practice safe driving habits, especially when it comes to sharing the road with buses. Buses play a crucial role in transportation, whether it be the general public or students, and being attentive and cautious while driving near them is vital for the safety of everyone on the road.
Read through our Murphy, Falcon & Murphy tips for how to drive safely around buses, and contact our Baltimore auto accident lawyers if you need help after a crash!
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Give Buses Extra Space
When you see a bus on the road, be sure to give it plenty of space. Buses are larger and heavier vehicles, which means they often require more time to accelerate and decelerate. Maintain a safe following distance of at least three car lengths behind a bus to allow sufficient time to stop or change lanes if necessary.
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Be Vigilant & Look for Bus Stops
As you keep an eye out for pedestrians and traffic signals, it’s important to also be aware of when bus stops are coming up. When pedestrians are crossing the street or waiting for the bus, stay mindful of your surroundings and exercise caution — this is especially the case when passing a stopped bus.
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Observe All School Bus Stop Signals
When you encounter a school bus with its stop sign displayed and lights flashing, Maryland law requires you to stop until the sign is withdrawn and the bus moves again. Attempting to drive past a bus with its light flashing, when students are loading and unloading, is illegal and can result in injury or other legal action.
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Use Extra Caution at Bus Stops Near Schools
Speaking of students, schools are high-risk areas, especially during pick-up and drop-off times, and drivers need to be extra careful when in these areas. Our auto accident lawyers recommend slowing down when passing these areas and being prepared for children entering or exiting the bus. Always be on the lookout for flashing lights and crossing guards indicating pedestrian activity. Reduce your speed as well as an extra precaution.
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Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous and puts everyone in and around your vehicle at risk. Avoid using your phone, eating, applying makeup, or engaging in any other activities that take your focus away from the road while driving near buses. Stay alert and focused at all times to avoid getting into an accident with a bus and avoid having to call our car accident attorneys.
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Exercise Patience
Buses tend to make frequent stops, which may cause slight delays and annoyance to other drivers. Always, maintain patience and respect for their operations. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or cutting off a bus, as these split-decision actions can be dangerous and may result in an accident and personal injury.
Stay Safe Around Buses With Murphy, Falcon & Murphy
Driving safely around buses in Maryland requires attentiveness, patience, and respect for others on the road. Do your part to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users and read through our accident injury lawyer blog posts to learn more about how we can drive responsibly.