Weld County Bus Accident Shines Light on Safety Record
A class field trip ended abruptly – and almost tragically – last week when a RoadSafe Traffic Systems driver struck a school bus returning from Elitch Gardens on Weld County Road 45.
The driver, William Carroll, told police that he fell asleep at the wheel. As a result, his truck crossed into incoming traffic and clipped the bus, rolling it over and running it off the road. The accident left 29 people injured. Colorado State Patrol cited the truck driver for careless driving.
Nearly a week later, one person remains in the hospital.
If you’ve been seriously hurt in a motor vehicle accident, don’t try to handle your case on your own. A personal injury attorney can help fight for you rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
RoadSafe’s Questionable Safety Record
This is just the latest in a string of incidents that RoadSafe drivers have been involved in. In fact, the Chicago-based carrier’s been hit with a “conditional” safety rating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The rating means that the carrier is under review by federal regulators over safety concerns, typically following multiple accidents.
Specifically, records show that the company’s drivers have been involved in 15 accidents over the last two years. Over that same time period, regulators have inspected RoadSafe vehicles and facilities 120 times – at least five times a month.
The company released a statement in the aftermath of the Weld County accident.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to all those on board the school bus involved in the accident,” it read. “We deeply regret the accident and are launching a full investigation into what happened. Safety is our first priority, and we are doing what we can to help first responders, law enforcement, those who were injured, and their families.”
RoadSafe is a Company with a History
Burg Simpson is familiar with this company’s track record. Shareholder Stephen J. Burg has been fighting with them for years over how well the company screens its applicants and tracks its drivers.
“I saw it on the news and I wasn’t surprised one bit,” Stephen told Denver7, the ABC affiliate in an interview.
Stephen should know. His own family was involved in an accident with a RoadSafe driver four years ago on the way to Silverthorne from Steamboat Springs. The accident involved his brother, his pregnant sister-in-law, and their small child.
If you’ve been injured by someone who fell asleep at the wheel, the company they work for should be held accountable. Contact the Denver personal injury lawyers at Burg Simpson Colorado right away. Call us today at 303-792-5595 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.
