We posted a couple of weeks ago about a bus in Des Moines that hit a pedestrian, and once again a bus-pedestrian accident has occurred, this time prompting changes in the driving approach by drivers. The accident that occurred this morning did not lead to any serious injuries, but officials consider that to be a fortunate result given the obvious disparity in size between the pedestrian and the enormous vehicle.
According to the Des Moines Register:
“Des Moines bus officials will issue a temporary order to drivers this afternoon to eliminate left turns on the west side of downtown and to honk their horns when making turns anywhere in the downtown area.
Melissa Dunagan, 61, was taken to Iowa Methodist Medical Center shortly before 7 a.m. Hospital officials said she will be released today.
It is the seventh bus-pedestrian accident in downtown Des Moines since the summer of 2007. Officials put in place a variety of safety measures but accidents continue to occur.
Police said Dunagan was walking east on High Street, crossing 9th Street. The driver of the DART bus, Leonidas Flores, 56, was turning left at the time. He was westbound on High Street, turning south onto 9th Street, when the accident occurred. Police said Flores told them he didn’t see her.
The accident occurred at 6:38 a.m..
Flores has been charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.”
While the new driving approach could lead to fewer accidents, it seems quite illogical for a vehicle to completely avoid turning left. Regardless of whether these changes work, if you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident, contact the attorneys at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Mon, Jul 27, 2009
Bus Accidents