In and around San Diego, many people depend on the buses and trains to provide safe, dependable transportation. If recent trends continue, we will see a rise in the number of people who use buses as a favored form of transportation. In fact, we reported in a post on this blog that between the years 1995 and 2013, public transportation ridership increased by over 37 percent.

It is hard to gauge exactly why there is such a profound uptick in public transportation use. The reality is that increased demand could result in an increased number of trains and buses made available to the public.

While an increase in ridership is a very positive development, the municipalities in which this expansion is taking place should take measures to help protect pedestrians and bicyclists. This is especially true in regards to the manner in which bicyclists and pedestrians are able to share the streets with buses.

One of the most important measures is to fully educate bus operators on how to safely drive near bicyclists and pedestrians. This would include making sure that drivers understand how much space to grant these other road users and how to keep track of them when then are in proximity to the bus.

In addition, all buses should be properly maintained. In particular, it’s important that buses be able to come to quick, controlled stops should a driver need to apply the brakes to avoid a collision.

Bicyclists and pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when near buses. If struck by a bus, they could be permanently or even fatally injured. We at the Frantz Law Group have extensive experience representing bicyclists and pedestrians who have been injured in accidents. We stay on top of current laws, so if you have been injured, we are well suited to help you seek a fair settlement.

On the pages of this website, you can read about our successes in serving our clients and helping them get the compensation they deserved.