Every morning and afternoon, there are many buses on Louisiana roads taking young children back and forth to school. Drivers are responsible for knowing how to drive safely around these vehicles, including stopping when the lights are on and the stop signs are out. However, distracted driving has led to an increase in unsafe driving around buses, increasing the chance of car accidents.
According to law enforcement and statistics, dozens of children are the victims of accidents every year as they are walking to or from school buses. With the increase of phone use and distracted drivers, children getting on or off a bus are more likely to suffer from the consequences of this type of unsafe driving. Every driver in Louisiana should know the law and understand how to drive safely around children.
Even attentive drivers are often confused about the laws regarding school buses. State law says that a car behind, passing or approaching a school bus must stop when the bus has its lights flashing and signs out. Drivers should stop at least 30 feet from the front or the back of the bus. Failure to do this can lead to citations and fines.
Drivers who cause car accidents due to a lack of knowledge about state driving laws or distraction can be held accountable for their actions. When innocent people suffer because of the reckless or negligent actions of another person, it is possible to seek compensation through a civil claim. Safe driving around buses is not only the law, but it also keeps children safe.
