Last week, a child was stuck and injured at a bus stop in Asheville. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on Shiloh road, just before 3:00 p.m. Very little information has been released about this incident, but we do know that the child was struck, when a driver failed to stop for a school bus.
The driver involved, 20-year-old Kejuan Rashun Watkins, has been charged with failure to give information/aid per injury, passing a stopped school bus-striking a person, reckless driving to endanger and no operators license. Initial reports indicate that the child was just getting off the school bus and crossing the road when he or she was struck. Initially, the driver fled the scene. The child was injured by the passing vehicle. Thankfully, the injuries were not described as life threatening.
School Bus and Bus Stop Safety
Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a bus instead of traveling in a car. School buses are the most regulated vehicles on U.S. roadways. Although school buses are the statistically safest way to get kids to and from school, they do have some risks.
The most dangerous part of riding the school bus is getting on and off the bus. Unfortunately, there are still drivers who are passing stopped school buses. Whether they’re distracted or simply in a hurry, they’re putting children’s lives at risk by engaging in this dangerous and illegal practice.
Bus Stop Accidents in Asheville
When drivers illegally pass stopped school buses, they’re putting children’s lives at risk for injury or death. Even at low speeds, a child can be catastrophically injured when hit by a large motor vehicle. Motorists are encouraged to exercise additional vigilance and caution when driving through residential areas in the mornings and afternoons. If you see a school bus, prepare to slow down or stop when the time comes.
If your child has been injured at a bus stop in Asheville or in any of the nearby Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven Personal Injury team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.