Bus accidents and school bus safety: tips for parents

OTTAWA ACCIDENT LAWYER – With summer long gone and school underway, it’s always nerve-wracking for parents to watch their children board that yellow bus in the morning. To help ease that anxiety, we’ve put together a helpful new article: School Bus and Transit Bus Accidents: Who’s at Fault?

Every fall, 800 000 Ontario students once again start taking the bus to school every day, and many others take public transit.That’s a lot of buses, and in a typical school year, injuries do happen.

Here are some smart tips for parents who are worried about their children’s safety on the bus:

• Remember that school bus safety extends to everyone on the road. When a school bus has stopped, do not try to pass it – always stop at least ten meters behind, so that kids can cross the road to board. It’s the law!
• The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (ottawaschoolbus.ca) offers free information about school bus safety. It’s designed to be helpful for both you and your child. From time to time, they even offer free interactive safety courses for all members of the family.
• Know your legal rights if your child is injured on the bus. School boards, bus companies, and even individual drivers could be held responsible for negligence. Contact a qualified and reputable personal injury lawyer for information on how to proceed.

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish your family a safe and happy 2009-10 school year. Staying informed, and knowing your options should an injury occur, is a great way to start.