On Monday night, there was a school bus crash in McDowell County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened just before 9:00 p.m. on NC 226 near the top of Cox Creek. Very few details about this school bus wreck have been released, but we do know that 14 people, including many children, had to be transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries.
Initial reports indicate that the Thomas Jefferson Charter School activity bus was headed southbound on NC 226 at the time of the crash. For currently unknown reasons, it went off the right side of the road. It then hit several large rocks and struck a tree before traveling down an embankment and coming to rest.
NHTSA on School Bus Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just issued a press release about back to school safety involving school buses. While school buses are traditionally one of the safest methods to get kids to and from school, they’re not totally without risk. Children are reminded to stay seated and facing forward in their seats whenever the school bus is moving.
Since the most dangerous part about riding the school bus is actually getting on and off it at the bus stop, parents are encouraged to talk to their kids about how to stay safe at the bus stop. They can follow the “SAFE” plan.
Stay SAFE at The Bus Stop
- Stay five steps away from the curb.
- Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver tells you to board.
- Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
- Exit the bus when it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing the street.
School Bus Accidents in Asheville
After any kind of accident involving a school bus, it’s important that there is a thorough and in-depth investigation. School buses have to be properly mechanically maintained so they are safe for roadworthy travel and transportation of children.
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident or at the bus stop in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.