Child Injured After SUV, School Bus Collide

Parents expect that their children will be safe as the bus driver takes them to school in the mornings and then back home at the end of the day. However, accidents sometimes occur and they can result in injuries, fear, and concerns.

An SUV recently collided with a school bus, causing one child to be injured. The accident happened on the morning of February 5 in Tampa.

An SUV hit the left side of the bus at the intersection of N. Rome Avenue and W. Columbus Drive. One child from the bus was hospitalized with minor injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The bus accident has raised concerns from parents. One woman, whose children were involved in the accident, said she took them to the hospital as a precaution but fortunately they were unharmed. The woman expressed frustration about the intersection, citing frequent accidents, difficulty making turns, and traffic congestion.

Residents and drivers echoed the women’s concerns, describing the intersection as hazardous. Both city and county authorities were contacted regarding the community’s concerns. A county representative explained that while Columbus Drive is a county road, the city is responsible for its design and traffic management, with the county covering the costs. They highlighted the possibility of conducting studies and implementing changes to address recurring issues.

The county also mentioned an upcoming repaving project on Columbus Drive, potentially incorporating safety features such as sidewalks and crosswalks. Residents hope there will be additional safety measures such as stop signs and traffic lights.

It was asked whether Hillsborough County Schools had considered altering the bus route to avoid the intersection. The district said that they conduct incident reviews after accidents to implement adjustments as necessary.

What to Know About School Buses

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation in the United States. Here are a few points to consider:

• Low accident rate. School buses are involved in fewer accidents per mile traveled compared to other types of vehicles. The large size and bright color of school buses contribute to their safety.
• Safety regulations. School buses are subject to strict safety regulations enforced by state and federal authorities. These regulations cover various aspects of school bus design, maintenance, and operation to ensure the safety of students.
• Driver training. School bus drivers undergo specialized training to operate the vehicles safely, including handling various driving conditions, managing student behavior, and emergency procedures.
• Protective features. School buses are equipped with safety features such as high seat backs, closely spaced seats, and strong construction materials to protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

School buses are generally very safe. However, if you are a parent, you may see stories like this and worry about your children getting to and from school safely.

If your child was injured on a school bus, get legal help and solid advice from a Tampa bus accident attorney from Moore Law. Bus accidents are not always straightforward. To schedule a free consultation, call 813-510-5400 or fill out the online form.

Source:

abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/one-child-injured-when-suv-slams-into-school-bus