• 25
  • August
    2011

While back-to-school time is an exciting time of year, it is also a dangerous time of year. Alabama roadways are occupied by school buses again, along with young motorists who are hurrying to or from their high schools.

An Alabama teen lost his life in a recent car accident involving his vehicle and a full school bus. He was the only person in the collision who didn't survive the crash; no kids from the school bus suffered life-threatening injuries. The crash is currently under investigation, but residents from the area where the crash occurred already have some safety input to offer.

Exactly what led to the deadly collision is uncertain. Sources have not confirmed that the accident was either the teen driver's or the bus driver's fault. People have come forward, however, to place blame on the reportedly unsafe road where the tragedy occurred.

According to residents in the Russell County neighborhood, the intersection of Highway 169 and Highway 431 has proven dangerous on other occasions than just this most recent crash. Another collision occurred there as recently as in May. Another crash in the same area has involved a bus as well.

Residents in the area call the curve in the road dangerous. Some believe that the speed limit needs to be lowered. Also, they believe that more patrols need to work in the area and that warning lights need to be added to school bus stop signs on the roadway. While all lives are valuable, residents highlight the fact that kids' school bus stops are all along the road. Children's safety should be classified as high priority.

At this point, officials haven't announced any intentions to change the road in any way. We will post an update if the debate continues and let you know whether school or traffic safety officials have plans to improve what is apparently a roadway that puts lives at risk.

Source

Wtvm.com: "Residents say Site of Bus Crash in Unsafe Road," Taylor Barnhill, Aug. 24, 2011