Every day, thousands of South Carolina families trust school buses to safely transport their children. But behind that trust is a serious responsibility: schools and school districts must ensure buses are properly maintained and fully safe. When that responsibility is neglected, the consequences can be catastrophic.
At the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger, we believe in holding institutions accountable when preventable failures lead to injury. Below are the 10 key maintenance practices that every school or transportation department should follow to protect students.
1. Routine Mechanical Inspections
Before and after every trip, bus drivers and mechanics should check the vehicle for safety. These inspections should include:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Mirrors
- Lights
- Emergency exits
Monthly and annual professional inspections are also essential.
2. Tire Safety
Tires are a common—and preventable—source of school bus accidents. Schools must:
- Maintain proper tire inflation and safe tread depth
- Regularly replace worn or damaged tires
- Avoid using retread tires on the front axle
3. Brake System Checks
Brake systems should be checked regularly to ensure:
- Pads and drums are not worn out
- Brake lines are leak-free
- Emergency braking systems are functioning properly
4. Working Lights & Electrical Systems
From headlights to flashing stop signs, every light must be in working order to keep kids visible and safe—especially in early morning or evening routes.
5. Emergency Equipment Inspection
All buses should be equipped with:
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Reflective warning triangles
- Seat belt cutters
These items must be easily accessible and checked regularly.
6. Proper Recordkeeping
Maintenance and inspection logs should be:
- Accurate and up-to-date
- Signed by the responsible personnel
- Reviewed regularly by supervisors
Falsifying logs—or failing to keep them—can be a sign of deeper negligence.
7. Fluid and Leak Checks
Buses must be checked routinely for fluid levels and leaks, including:
- Oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
Ignoring leaks can lead to serious breakdowns.
8. Suspension and Steering Maintenance
Alignment, shocks, and steering systems should be inspected to ensure the bus handles safely—especially on highways or long trips.
9. Removing Unsafe Buses from Service
If a bus fails inspection or shows signs of mechanical failure, it should be removed from service immediately until repaired.
10. Creating a Culture of Safety
Drivers and staff must feel empowered to report problems without fear of blame or discipline. Safety should be a top-down priority in every school district.
What If the South Carolina School Neglects These Responsibilities?
When schools fail to follow basic safety procedures, they can be held accountable. But in some cases, schools may have made efforts to maintain their buses and still encounter catastrophic failures due to the negligence of third parties.
Third-Party Liability in School Bus Maintenance
In many South Carolina school districts, maintenance duties may be outsourced to third-party vendors or service providers. These contractors have a duty to:
- Properly inspect, repair, and document maintenance procedures
- Replace parts only with approved, safe components
- Employ qualified technicians who follow established safety protocols
If a bus company, mechanic shop, or parts supplier fails in these responsibilities, they too can be held liable for injuries that result from mechanical failure. Even if a school district contracts out maintenance services, they are still required to vet and supervise these vendors properly.
An experienced school bus crash attorney will investigate not just the school district's role, but also whether a third party contributed to the breakdown that led to your child's injury.
Your Family Deserves Answers, Accountability, and Compassionate Legal Support
At the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger, we investigate school transportation failures and advocate for families impacted by preventable child injuries in school bus crashes.
Your child’s safety should never be compromised. We’re here to help when it is.
For a free consultation, contact us online today or call us at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC).
