Everyday many parents in Alabama put the lives and safety of their school-aged children in the hands of school bus drivers. Of course the vast majority of school bus drivers are likely well trained and responsible. But unfortunately with the safety of so many children at risk on each but, one negligent mistake by a driver or a failure in his or her training can have very serious consequences.

A school bus accident in Alabama this morning was reported to have injured dozens of students, though fortunately none of the injuries were reported to be extremely serious. After the crash 21 of the 41 students that had been on the overturned bus were transported to area medical facilities, in both ambulances and private vehicles, for observation and treatment of their injuries. Most of the injuries were bumps and bruises, but there was a report of at least one student with a broken arm.

As of this afternoon the accident remained under investigation by Alabama law enforcement authorities. Local news reports have so far only said that the driver lost control of the bus in a curve and that it then went off of the road and rolled onto its side.

It is the responsibility of every driver to operate their vehicle in a manner that does not put their passengers or others on the road at unreasonable risk of injury. For those that hire drivers to transport others there are also responsibilities related to the hiring and retention of drivers to ensure that they do not pose an undue risk.

Source: Dothan Eagle, "Dozens suffer minor injuries in Pike County school bus crash," Matt Elofson, Jan. 20, 2012