The Charleston County School District is taking a modern approach to school bus safety with a GPS tracking app.
Live 5 WCSC reported “the district has rolled out an upgraded version of the original FirstView app, offering 24/7 GPS tracking, real-time delay notifications, and updated route alerts, even on modified schedule days.”
Initially launched in 2020, FirstView 1.0 has made upgrades and improvements based on community feedback, resulting in a more user-friendly interface, customizable notifications, and updates on changes to their child’s bus route.
James Lynch, Director of Transportation for CCSD, told ABC4 News that the goal of FirstView was to instill confidence in parents who send their children to school on the bus every morning.
“The primary goal with the FirstView app is to give parents peace of mind knowing where their child is, receiving alerts if something does happen on the bus route, if there is a delay, or a notice of a change with the route,” Lynch said.
According to Live 5 WCSC, “Charleston County is the second-largest school district in South Carolina. With more than 22,000 students riding buses to 78 schools on nearly 1,400 routes and close to 5,500 stops across the district each day, the district is working to restore trust in its transportation system.”
Changes to restore trust in school bus safety include a revised pay structure for bus drivers and a training program that includes in-classroom instruction, state-specific requirements, and hands-on learning behind the wheel.
The Reality of School Bus Accidents in South Carolina
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 1,000 school-transportation-related accidents between 2007 and 2016. Of these school-transportation-related accidents, there were 1,282 fatalities, including both occupants and non-occupants.
While this number may sound alarming, school buses remain one of the safest modes of transportation for students due to their strict regulations and safety features – and the iconic yellow color doesn’t hurt.
According to school bus accident statistics, of the 343,391 fatal motor vehicle crashes that occurred between 2013 and 2022, less than 1% involved school buses.
But just because they aren’t common doesn’t mean they don’t happen. And when they do, it’s important to understand your legal rights in a bus accident.
Compensation for Victims in a South Carolina School Bus Accident
If your child was injured in a school bus crash, you have the right to seek compensation.
Compensation for a school bus accident may include:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional distress and psychological counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Future loss of income or earning potential
- Wrongful death damages (if the accident was fatal)
- Disability or disfigurement
Each case is unique to your set of circumstances. To gain the full compensation you deserve, consult with a school bus accident lawyer to help negotiate a fair settlement or prepare for a possible trial if the case goes to court.
Leave Your School Bus Accident Case to Hoffman Law Firm
Waving goodbye to your child as they turn the corner in their big yellow bus can leave you with an abundance of nerves. Receiving a FirstView notification letting you know your child was involved in a school bus accident is unimaginable. But when the unthinkable occurs, we are here to help.
As one of the leading personal injury law firms near you, our team has a longstanding reputation for helping residents of the Lowcountry receive the compensation they deserve and ensuring that all parties are held responsible.
After a bus accident in Charleston, Georgetown, or anywhere else in South Carolina, trust the injury lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm to put our decades of combined experience to work for you.
Schedule your free consultation to see for yourself!
