According to data from We Go Public, more than one million kids ride school buses on a daily basis in Texas. As a parent, you should be able to rely on the safety of a bus when you let your kids get on in the morning or wait for them to come home in the afternoon. Unfortunately, accidents happen. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that nearly 7,000 school bus passengers are hurt in accidents each year. At The Stano Law Firm, we are strong advocates for the health and safety of kids. Here, our Houston bus accident lawyer provides an overview of school bus safety laws.
An Overview of the School Bus Safety Laws in Texas
1. Motorists Must Stop for Flashing Red Lights or a Stop Sign On a School Bus
In Texas, there are strict rules and regulations regarding the passing of school buses. When a school bus displays flashing red lights and/or a stop sign, all drivers must stop their vehicle. To be clear, unless the bus is on a divided road with a clear median, then drivers coming in both directions must stop when the flashing red lights and/or stop sign is displayed. The law is designed to protect students who are entering or exiting the bus—particularly when they need to cross the street. Student safety matters. It is a high priority in Texas. Far too many school bus-related injuries happen when students are getting or getting off of the bus. Drivers must take proper care.
2. Drivers Must Not Pass a School Bus that is Loading/Unloading Passengers
It is imperative to emphasize that Texas law strictly prohibits drivers from passing a school bus that is actively loading or unloading passengers. During this scenario, the school bus should have flashing red lights and/or a stop sign displayed. With that being said, drivers have a proactively responsibility to avoid passing a school bus that is loading or unloading passengers under any circumstances. The regulation applies regardless of the direction from which the motorist is approaching the bus. A driver can be held legally responsible if a pedestrian collision happens.
3. Motorists Should Leave Additional Stop Distance for School Buses
Texas law strongly encourages motorists to leave additional room for school buses. Of course, school buses make frequent stops—and in some cases they may stop in places that are not intuitive to motorists. Leaving additional stopping distance is a precautionary measure that provides extra time and space to react if and when a school bus makes sudden stops. By allowing more space between vehicles and school buses, drivers contribute to a safer road environment.
A First-Offense School Bus Fine is a $1,250 Fine in Texas (Enhanced Fines Could Apply)
Passing a school bus with flashing red lights and/or a stop sign can result in a serious fine in Texas. Indeed, under state law, a school bus offense is subject to a $1,250 fine even for a first-offense with no accident. It is a hefty fine that emphasizes our state’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students as they travel to and from school. Notably, a driver could face additional sanctions if aggravating factors are present. Here is an overview of the two most common:
- Subsequent Offenses: If a driver is caught violating the school bus stopping law more than once, the fines can be even more substantial. For drivers who have previously been fined for similar offenses, the penalties are increased. A second offense is subject to a $2,000 fine and a maximum license suspension of up to six months.
- Accident: Enhanced penalties may also apply if the failure to stop for a school bus results in an accident. If a driver passes a school bus illegally in Texas and causes an accident while doing so, they can be charged with a state jail felony offense. It carries a maximum $4,000 fine, a one-year license suspension, and up to one-year in Texas state prison.
Schools and Bus Operators are Responsible for Protecting the Safety of Children
Schools, school districts, and school bus operators play an absolutely essential role in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of children during their morning and afternoon commutes. Here is some of the key regulations for schools and school bus operators:
- Bus Driver Training: Comprehensive training programs for school bus drivers are a must. The training should cover not only the basic operation of the bus but also focus on safe driving practices, student behavior management, and emergency response skills
- Implementing Safety Protocols: Schools and bus operators are required to implement and follow strict safety protocols. Buses must be equipped with safety features such as flashing lights, stop arms, and cross-view mirrors.
- Regular Maintenance and Proactive Inspections: To prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents, school buses require regular maintenance and inspections. These checks ensure that all components of the bus—from brakes to signaling lights.
How Our Houston School Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
School bus accident injury claims are complicated. For parents, these can be especially stressful incidents. The health, safety, and well-being of your child is always the absolute highest priority. At The Stano Law Firm, we fight tirelessly for justice for victims and families. When you contact our Houston office, you will connect with a Texas school bus accident lawyer who can:
- Conduct a free, comprehensive, and confidential review of your case;
- Investigate the school bus accident—gathering evidence to prove fault;
- Handle the settlement negotiations with insurance companies; and
- Take aggressive action to help your family get justice and the maximum compensation.
Contact Our Texas School Bus Accident Attorney Today
At The Stano Law Firm, our Texas school bus accident lawyer is a compassionate advocate for victims and families. If your child was hurt in a school bus accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation with a top-tier attorney. From our Houston office, we handle school bus accident injury claims throughout the wider region in Southeast Texas.