School Bus Driver Faces Jail Time for Causing Accident While Downloading Messenger App
As parents, we want to trust that school bus drivers will do everything to can to make sure children are safe on school buses. Some people may recall a school bus accident that occurred last year when a school bus driver crashed into a tree while downloading a messenger application called "Kik." According to a news report, the woman driving the school bus was recently found guilty of criminal charges that may land her in jail for a significant number of years. The woman's sentencing will be determined at a future hearing.
The school bus driver admitted that she was downloading the messenger application, and looked down at her phone to check the status of the download right before slamming into a tree, causing injuries to three children, with one suffering a broken jaw. One of the school bus driver's own daughters was also on the bus. The jury in her criminal case found that the bus driver was reckless in her behavior and put every child's life at risk. Prosecutors are satisfied with the outcome and hope the verdict will send a message to others to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The Outcome Could Have Been Worse
While it is unconscionable that three children suffered injuries as a result of the school bus accident, the three children are lucky to be alive as the accident could have been significantly worse. For example, had the school bus driver been going faster or had collided with a passing car or truck, the children may have suffered more severe injuries, or even death.
What Can Be Done to Prevent This Type of Accident From Happening Again?
When distracted driving puts children's lives at risk, measures should be taken to prevent such conduct in the future. In addition to serving potential jail time, distracted bus drivers may face civil lawsuits from injured victims as well as a blemished driving record, which can prevent them from ever getting behind the wheel of a school bus again.
Internal policies likely exist that mandate school bus drivers could lose their jobs for texting while driving or otherwise being distracted by a phone, but it is often difficult to prevent distracted driving while it is happening. Even if children on the school bus are complaining to the school bus driver (many of whom are likely too young to know what to do in such a situation), the bus driver can potentially continue to operate the school bus in a dangerous and distracted manner. As such, even if measures are implemented to help prevent school bus accidents involving a distracted school bus driver, serious accidents may continue to happen until the message finally gets through to all school bus drivers.
Contact Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of any type of motor vehicle accident and you believe someone else may be responsible for the accident that resulted in your or a loved one's injuries, you should consider speaking with an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney at Montlick & Associates right away. Our lawyers can examine the facts and circumstances of what happened in your accident and advise on what steps are necessary to protect your rights. With more than thirty years of experience, Montlick & Associates continues to provide legal representation to injured individuals from all across Georgia. To learn more about what your legal options are by speaking with one of our Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys, contact Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law today by calling (800) LAW-NEED (529-6333) to schedule your free consultation. You may also visit us online at www.montlick.com, to complete a Free Case Evaluation Form, and you may also participate in a 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 529-6333
(800) LAW-NEED
Hours: Open Today · Open 24 hours
Related Pages: Columbus Car Accident Lawyers, Augusta GA Car accident lawyers, Car Accident Lawyers in Georgia, Car Accident Lawyers in Atlanta, Car Accident Lawyers in Athens, Albany Car Accident Lawyers.
Source: http://www.unionleader.com/crime/Ex-school-bus-driver-guilty-faces-years-in-jail-for-crash-while-distracted-07282016