Several factors can lead to bus accidents and there are many effective ways to avoid such accidents to a great extent. However, they are something that is supposed to be managed on the roads where the major stigma for responsibility is centered on the driver. Prior to getting behind the wheels and transporting passengers, the driver must attend training sessions and get certified. Below discussed are the most common causes of bus accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Different situations that a typical driver had to pass through can end up as fatigue in drivers, like that of shifts, where they would be compelled to remain in the roads for a long time. Often, due to tight schedule and urgency, the driver has extensive trips, as they would be driving continuously in buses, for example, say, 10 hours or more. Loss of inhibition, feeling sleepy and lowered reflexes would be the final stages of their fatigue. These activities can be as risky as driving under drug influence.
Mistakes of the Fellow Driver
While driving on the roads, one should be alert of other fellow drivers on the road. There are several possibilities of being wary of others when driving. Seldom, fellow drivers may pull up very adjacently of the buses or merely cut buses off and end up being in tailgate, blind spot or even stop short. Reckless drivers if any must be considered by the bus drivers, especially at the intersections they are supposed to slow down. Switching over lanes by the bus drivers can be truly perilous to the drivers while they pass on to the right side of the roads.
Driving Recklessly
Majority of drivers tend to drive carelessly and recklessly at some point in time. So as to meet the ordered deadlines, at times, they just ignore the road rules that have to be followed strictly. The paths of the bus can most commonly be blocked by the cars and other passenger vehicles, making way for a potential collision with the bus and finally getting injured. Sudden lane changes, ignoring red lights, speeding, failing to yield, unscientific merging, failing to halt for emergency vehicles and ignoring low bridges and overpasses can be included under the Reckless driving.
Any Technical Defects of the Bus
Mechanic and engineers are responsible for maintaining the buses without fail. These technical supports include checking brakes, confirming that the buses are not emitting toxic fumes, treating engine failures, checking the durability of tires, inspecting the proper functioning of lights and such obligations. Furthermore, they must ensure that the internal accessories are in proper conditions. Absence of any of these important requirements can lead to tragic bus accidents.
Inexperienced Driving and Lack of Training
In order to acquire Commercial Driving Licenses (CDL), bus drivers must attend special training sessions. Additionally, they must possess a class B license and a certificate to get access to drive a bus. The massive size of the buses, when compared to cars, can be the very first reason for its difficulty level. Above all that, the bus drivers must know well in advance of their position in the traffic. They should also be able to manage the passengers who travel in their bus and must ensure their safety. No nepotism should compromise the strict legalities behind the permit of their driving on the road.
Presence of Blind Spots
This could be one of the most common reasons that lead to an accident involving a bus. The very few numbers of mirrors available on the bus make it difficult for the drivers to analyze each part of this large vehicle. These conditions result in blocking the vision of the bus driver to notice the adjacent car moving, pedestrians getting in and out of the bus or the bicyclists trying to pass.
Impaired Driving
Even if the drivers are not fit to drive, some of them get behind the wheel considering their severe pressure. Alcohol influence could be the most common as it is almost a routine to get drunk just before their shifts and driving long trips. In yet another condition, in order to calm their nerves and stay awake, some of the drivers take illicit drugs and such stuff. Often, unsafe driving conditions may also occur due to prescribed medication that tends to affect the ability to drive.
Environmental Problems
The issues listed under this cause can vary to a vast extent. However, these problems could easily end up in grave crashes. Take, for example, some roads can be unfamiliar to the drivers making them break the speed limit or drive into one-way streets. At some points, they can even get jammed in narrow spots. Like every other vehicle, the buses get affected in dangerous terrains or potholes or sharp curves. The large vehicle like a bus can be very difficult to manage in severe weather conditions and dangerous roads.