Fatal Bus Crash Calls For Reform | Accident Injury Lawyer Richmond
Whenever people ride on a bus – whether it’s the regular city bus system, a school bus, or a tour bus – they put their trust in the driver. That driver has a responsibility to get everyone on that bus to their destinations safe and sound. In light of a recent deadly accident 30 miles north of Richmond, people are becoming more aware of crashes involving buses and are pushing for more regulation.
The bus accident occurred on Tuesday, May 31st in which 4 people died and 54 people were injured. The bus driver, Kin Yiu Cheung, 37, has been charged with reckless driving. Police say that Cheung may have been experiencing driver fatigue at the time of the crash.
It’s even more disturbing that the bus company, Sky Express Inc., had been given an “unsatisfactory” rating by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Instead of being shut down, Sky Express had been given a 10-day extension.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 there were 307 fatalities involving buses in the state of Virginia and 24,000 more people were injured.
Let’s hope that changes to bus regulations will take place sooner than later. Some changes that have been proposed include stronger roofs, emergency exits, higher standards for passenger seating compartments, and seat belt requirements.
At O’Bryan Law Firm we represent people who have been involved in all types of vehicle accidents in the Richmond, Virginia area. You are entitled to compensation for damages and injuries suffered because of another person’s negligence. Get more information about auto accidents in Virginia.