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Safety Tips for Bus Drivers to Avoid Texting While Driving

Many American commuters consider buses as a safe means of transportation, but when bus drivers start to use their cell phones while driving, it becomes a different story. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recorded 1,083 bus accidents, and one of the leading causes of such type of accident is distracted driving.

Texting or using cell phone while behind the wheel is proven dangerous for drivers and passengers alike. Distractions while driving can result in unexpected road accidents. Drivers who transport public commuters must be the first ones to avoid texting while driving because many lives are at stake if an accident happens.

Passengers who were involved in a bus accident due to distracted driving must get help from bus accident lawyers. Under the tort law, drivers who inflict injury on others because of their negligence must face legal consequences. Texting while driving is an obvious sign of negligence, therefore, bus accident victims can recover compensations pursuant to personal injury law.

In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) started to prohibit bus drivers from using any handheld cell phones or other electronic devices that create distraction on their part. According to DOT, the rule applies to all commercial bus or van drivers who carry more than eight passengers. Drivers who violated the federal regulation may be subjected to a fine amounting up to $2,750.

According to Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the following tips will prevent bus drivers from feeling the urge to text while driving:

1. Turn the phone off – turn your cell phone off before driving
2. Tell others – send a message to your contacts that you cannot reply to their messages because you are about to drive
3. Pull over – if really needed, you must pull over in order to send a message or to make a call
4. Know the law – you should familiarize yourself with the state and federal laws regarding using of cell phone on road
5. Ask a passenger – in case that it is really necessary to make a call, you can ask a passenger to do it for you

Distracted driving can be the basis of an accident victim’s personal injury claim. Bus mishap victims, with the assistance of bus accident lawyers, can recover compensation for the damages and losses which resulted from the incident.