August is Back to School Safety Month: What California Parents Should Know
Keeping Kids Safe on California Roads This School Year
August is Back to School Safety Month. As the new school year begins and children across California return to the classroom, parents and drivers alike should take time to understand school bus safety laws. While school buses remain one of the safest forms of transportation for students, accidents do happen—and they’re often caused by drivers failing to follow clearly established rules, such as slowing down, following the speed limit, and being extra careful when driving through school zones.
At The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour, we believe that awareness and legal accountability go hand in hand when it comes to protecting children on California’s roads. Below is an overview of school bus laws, common causes of school bus accidents, and what you can do if your child is injured.
California’s School Bus Safety Laws
Understanding Your Obligations as a Driver
California has some of the nation’s most comprehensive school bus safety laws. Drivers have important legal responsibilities, including:
- Slowing down near school buses as children rush to catch or exit the bus-The posted speed limit in California school zones is typically 25 mph, but may be lower depending on local rules. California Vehicle Code Section 22352(b).
- Stopping when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm unload– All vehicles must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and its stop arm is extended, regardless of the direction of travel (unless on a divided highway). California Vehicle Code Section 22454.
School bus drivers must undergo specialized training, satisfy strict licensing requirements, and comply with detailed state and federal safety regulations, including designated loading zones and use of emergency exits.
School bus driver requirements are codified in the California Code of Regulations and the Education Code. Additionally, bus drivers are common carriers under California Civil Code Section 2100 wherein they must use the “utmost care and diligence.”
Drivers who violate these laws not only face steep fines and points on their license—but they also place children’s lives in serious danger.
The Reality of School Bus Accidents in California
Where Things Go Wrong
Despite the safeguards in place, school bus accidents still occur throughout California. These incidents can involve:
- Drivers illegally passing stopped buses
- Poorly marked or selected bus stops or crossings
- Distracted or speeding motorists
- Mechanical failures or poorly maintained buses
- Negligent or improperly trained bus drivers
- Motor vehicle collisions involving school buses.
- Pedestrian accidents while children are crossing the street.
- Bicycle collisions near schools or bus stops.
- Slip, trip, and fall incidents occurring on school property or while boarding or exiting a bus.
- Injuries resulting from inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions.
Legal Accountability: When Is a School Bus Accident Considered Negligence?
California law recognizes that motorists, schools, and other responsible parties often owe heightened duties of care when minors are involved.
Who May Be Responsible?
Determining liability after a school-related accident can be complex. Depending upon the circumstances, responsibility may rest with one or more parties, including:
- Negligent motorists.
- School districts.
- School bus operators.
- Public entities responsible for roadway design or maintenance.
- Property owners.
School bus accidents are governed by the same legal concept of negligence as other vehicular collisions:
- Another party was negligent: This could be the bus driver, another driver, or even the school district. In some cases, California school districts have been held liable for failing to select safe pickup locations, neglecting to properly train bus drivers, or not adequately supervising students.
- The student was harmed: These could be physical injuries, emotional trauma, as well as pain and suffering.
- Negligence caused the harm: The at-fault party’s actions (or inaction) were a substantial factor in causing the injury.
How The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour Can Help
With over 20 years of experience, The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour is committed to representing individuals and families affected by vehicular negligence—including school bus-related injuries in California. If your child was injured in a school bus accident, our firm is here to help. Contact The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour today to speak with a compassionate and experienced California personal injury attorney.