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.

            According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 2.9 million people suffered seat belt injuries, and 43,000 people died as a result of seat belt injuries in 2002.  Due to the inadequacy of many seat belt systems, a growing number of products liability and negligence suits have been filed for personal injury and wrongful death.

            In the event of a motor vehicle collision, a restraint system should help to keep the occupant in the vehicle, dissipate energy, and prevent second interior occupant collisions.  Several defects have been exposed in the design, manufacture, assembly, installation, and warnings of the restraint systems.  However, the industry has yet to correct these problems.

            There are four main components of a seat belt restraint system.  These include: (1) the webbing (2) the buckle (3) the retractor; and (4) the anchorage.  If any of these mechanisms fail, the occupant may suffer serious injury or death.  In order to recover for any damages, the plaintiff must prove that the system was defective when it was in the possession, control, or responsibility of the defendant.  The plaintiff must also prove that the defect caused the injury.

            If you believe you may have suffered from a potential seat belt injury, please contact the attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606.  Our attorneys have years of experience in motor vehicle and products liability cases, and look forward to helping you.