Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

There have been an unusually high number of accidents involving buses lately. Some have resulted in a number of catastrophic injuries and death and these highly publicized incidents will certainly be mentioned at this year's FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Washington summit on motor coach safety. The objectives of this convention include the following:

*increase safety awareness of all stakeholders
*identify policy barriers and challenges (to safety)
*develop curricular tools for maintenance and operations training
*energize the public and other stakeholders to adopt a 'proactive' bus safety stance

At best these seem to be nothing more than lofty and far-reaching goals - lacking in substance that could effect change for motor coach passengers, drivers and others on the highway. However, every journey begins with a single step and the federal government's intervention in what appears to have become sloppy accounting and maintenance in the busing industry helps to return safety front and center to public transportation.

The one point that is driven home by each division of the transportation department is that public involvement is invited, encouraged and in many cases - vital - to improving safety for riders everywhere. At this point there are 'roundtables' being help by FMCSA representatives in each state for the purpose of gathering public input on the topic. If you are interested in participating or have something you'd like to add to the conversation then contact your state department of transportation or local representative for further information.

That's the great thing about living in a democracy - easy egress into the legislative process.

Continue reading "Increased Number of Bus Accidents" »

According to reports, a pickup truck was involved in a truck accident with a school bus this week and the pickup truck driver died. Five children and the school bus driver were taken to the hospital with injuries and reports thankfully have all in fair condition.

The disparity in size and weight between buses or other commercial vehicles and pickups in passenger cars can be most dangerous for the smaller vehicle. However, with school buses particularly in those without seatbelts, children can easily get hurt.

Texas has recently passed and unfunded initiative, which requires that each school bus purchased by a school district after September 1, 2010 have seatbelts. But the initiative only kicks in if the legislature provides sufficient funding. To date
It is my understanding that the funding has not been secured for all such purchases.

Texas is to be commended for enacting such initiative and for the funding that has already been arranged. While safety advocates have been seeking seatbelts in school buses for years I am delighted to see Texas as one of the leaders in the country on the issue.

Continue reading "School bus accident leaves one dead end injures five children" »