Posted in Bus Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 14, 2016
Greyhound Bus Accident Causes Injuries, Closure of I-24 East
Multiple vehicles, including a Greyhound Bus, were involved in an accident in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 24 in Davidson County Wednesday night, and at least one person suffered serious injuries.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred just after 10 p.m. near the Old Hickory Boulevard exit in Nashville.
Emergency responders transported one victim to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for serious injuries, while another victim was transported to Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital to receive treatment for minor injuries.
Police are still investigating the cause of the collision, but initial reports indicate that an SUV may have rear-ended the Greyhound bus.
After the accident, police closed all but one eastbound lane of I-24 near the Old Hickory Boulevard exit and they remained closed until 4 a.m. when the accident scene was cleared. The bus traveling to Atlanta when the accident occurred, and the remaining passengers were picked up by another bus in order to make to their destination.
Tips for Driving Near Buses
Whether it’s a school bus, an MTA bus, or a large charter bus, driving near these vehicles requires extra caution and alertness due to their size, weight, and the fact they frequently stop and pick up and drop off passengers. As a driver, it’s important to be aware that buses operate differently than passenger vehicles and that your driving habits near these large vehicles may need to change to keep yourself and everyone on the bus safe.
The next time you are driving near a large bus, do your best to follow these safety tips:
Like tractor-trailers and semi-trucks, large buses often weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles. That extra weight means that buses require more time and distance to slow down or stop. Drivers who cut off buses in traffic or change lanes in front of them—especially when traffic is heavy—may be at risk of being rear-ended by the bus if traffic suddenly slows down or stops. Only change lanes in front of a bus if the lane in front of you is clear of other vehicles and your vehicle has another acceleration to overtake the bus.
Buses are large vehicles that may completely fill your field of view when you’re driving. If you’re unable to change lanes and get out from behind a bus, it’s important to keep plenty of distance between the back of the bus and your vehicle in case the bus suddenly slows down or stops. When your view of the road ahead is blocked, you will be unable to see when traffic is slowing down and have to rely solely on the bus’s brake lights, putting you at high risk of an accident if you are following too closely.
Whether it’s a school bus stop or an MTA bus stop, if you’re driving near a bus that is loading and unloading passengers, always come to a complete stop. All drivers are required by law to stop behind school buses with flashing red lights or stop signs when children are entering or exiting the bus. Coming to a complete stop helps protect passengers and children who may exit the bus and walk in front of it or behind it and into the path of other vehicles.
Thousands of buses use roadways in Middle Tennessee every year, and most drivers encounter buses on their daily commutes. Knowing how to drive safely around these large vehicles can make a significant difference in your likelihood of causing or being involved in an accident with a bus.
If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident caused by a negligent bus driver or negligent driver of a passenger vehicle, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. To find out how the Nashville bus accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
