Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | January 27, 2017 | Car Accidents
What are the requirements for driving school buses in NC? That’s what some people may have been wondering after 19 students were injured in a school bus crash that happened because of a bus driver’s recklessness. Per a WRAL-TV report, the school bus accident happened in December as a bus filled with 20 elementary students was on its way to school. According to officials from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the bus went off the road while heading west on Stallings Road. After the bus went off road, the driver overcorrected, resulting in the bus overturning into a ditch. A man heard the crash from his home, called 911 and then headed to the bus and help get students off the vehicle through the back door and roof hatch.
Reportedly, many of the students had scratches, bruises and bloody noses. Of the 20 kids on the bus, 19 had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. None of the children suffered life-threatening injuries, but one was listed in serious condition. The school bus driver was charged with reckless driving as a result of the wreck.
Requirements to Drive a School Bus in North Carolina
Per NCDOT.gov, in North Carolina, to become a school bus driver you must:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Obtain a North Carolina commercial driver license
- Have at least six months driving experience as a licensed driver
- Have a valid health certificate
- Do not have more than one driver license at the time of your application
- Not have a driver license that is revoked, disqualified or suspended
- Be in good physical condition and able to submit a complete medical report if requested
- Take a 3-day school bus driver training class
- Pass a bus driver skills test
- Pass a school bus driving knowledge tests
- Go through behind-the-wheel driver training with a Driver Education Specialist (DES)
Despite the above requirements, the school bus accident last December shows that more needs to be done to prevent reckless drivers from getting behind the wheel of school buses. Until then, the families of children injured in school bus crashes can bring negligent bus drivers and school districts to justice through civil lawsuits. Pursuing a personal injury claim can enable families to hold those responsible for their child’s pain and suffering accountable, including recovering financial help for hospital bills, rehabilitation expenses and funeral costs.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042