A string of recent bus accidents in Nevada, Mississippi and Texas have, once again, brought the issue of bus safety to the forefront.

The biggest problem is that many of the buses involved, including the deadly accident in Sherman recently, were operating illegally.

These operators cut corners and delay inspections without regard for passenger safety.

As a result, at least 17 people died, and dozens more were injured, in Sherman when the bus they were riding in crashed, ejecting several passengers through its windows.

Charter and tour buses are not equipped with safety belts or laminated glass windows — safety features that could save lives — but, more importantly, many are not operated and maintained in a safe fashion.

The bus involved in the Sherman accident had defective tires on the front.

This was only one of several fatal Texas bus accidents. Lawyers can help victims gain financial compensation for their losses but that can’t replace the life of a loved one.

The Government Accountability Office has found in a recent study that a significant number of truck accidents or bus accidents were caused by a physical impairment of the driver.

In 2006, 5,300 people died from crashes involving large commercial trucks or buses and 126,000 more were injured. Drivers falling asleep or being disabled by a heart attack or seizure or other physical impairment caused about 12 percent of crashes where the cause could be identified.

In an audit by the Government Accountability Office, more than half a million drivers held commercial truck driving licenses (CDLs) yet were also so disabled that they were eligible to receive full disability benefits. Many of these drivers are still on the road.

According to the report, as of 2006, Texas had more than 16,000 improperly certified truck drivers. The report did not specify how many people were killed or maimed in truck accidents or bus accidents in Texas. Accident attorneys are studying this research.

Companies who hire these drivers should be held accountable. If these numbers are correct, at least 636 people were killed and another 15,000 injured on our nation’s roads in 2006 by improperly certified truck drivers.

Florida state lawmakers have proposed legislation that will require teenagers to pass a mandatory driver’s ed course before they will be eligible to get their driver’s license.

Drivers between the ages of 16-18 are responsible for the highest car wreck rate. Teenagers are also involved in the highest level of fatal car wrecks.

The bill is sponsored by Kevin Ambler who explains that the bill is intended to help protect teenagers.

In 2006 alone, over 130 teenage drivers were killed in car wrecks. Ambler believes that at least two-thirds of those deaths could have potentially been avoided had the driver had proper education.

The writing of the bill was assisted by a 17 year-old who believes that enacting such legislation will help save the lives of many teenagers.

In order to fund the driver’s ed classes, the price of a driver’s license would be raised.

Before the bill comes into effect, it must be approved by a house committee.

Car wreck attorneys are currently working on cases that involve serious injury or fatality due to the negligence of another.