Kent, Washington – Pedestrian Injured After Getting Struck by School Bus

Kent, Washington  (February 10, 2020) – A pedestrian was injured after being struck by the side mirror of a school bus on the intersection of East Smith Street and Jason Avenue North on Monday afternoon. According to the article from the Kent Reporter, the victim, a woman in her 50s, sustained a deep cut to her nose. She was transported to Harborview Medical Center as precaution and was noted to be awake and alert in the incident, and was able to give a statement to the police on the scene. None of the occupants in the school bus were injured in the incident.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. The school bus was reported to be making a left turn onto westbound Smith Street from northbound Titus Street. The pedestrian was on the crosswalk heading south when she was struck by the bus in the westbound lanes of Smith Street. The incident is under investigation to determine who is at fault in the incident.

About Vehicle Accidents

School buses are among the most well-known means of transportation. From the American School Bus Council, an estimated 480,000 yellow school buses provide transportation daily in the United States, with a figure of 25 million elementary and secondary school children riding these buses. According to injury facts from the National Safety Council, school buses actually provide a the best means of safe transportation, and is much safer than the two alternatives, which is by walking or riding in a car. However, it does not mean accidents cannot happen. In 2017, school bus-related crashes were responsible for 95 deaths across the nation. According to the statistics, however, 70% of the deaths involved in the crashes were occupants in other cars, with 17% of the victims being pedestrians such as in this case. Only 6% of the victims were passengers of the school bus, 4% were school bus drivers and the smallest percentage of deaths was 3% with pedalcyclists. We can gather from these facts that school buses are generally safe for those passengers and drivers, and fatalities usually involve someone else on the street.

To make the streets safe for everyone, our Kent wrongful death lawyers urge all drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and follow traffic regulations at all times. Aside from that, another way to ensure safety is to check that one’s vehicle is fit for the road. And in case of any incident, wearing seat belts can minimize any damage received. These simple steps can prevent any undesirable loss, damage, injuries or fatalities on yourself and for everyone else around you.

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