A bus driver's duty refers to the heightened legal responsibility that bus operators have to safely transport their passengers and share the road with other vehicles, which goes beyond the standard care required of regular drivers. Bus drivers are considered "common carriers" under the law, meaning they have a special duty to exercise the highest degree of care for their passengers' safety, including following all traffic laws, maintaining control of the vehicle, properly operating doors and safety equipment, and protecting passengers from foreseeable harm. This enhanced duty also extends to other road users, as bus drivers must account for their vehicle's size, weight, and limited maneuverability when making driving decisions.
The bus driver's duty includes specific responsibilities such as conducting pre-trip safety inspections, following designated routes and schedules, assisting passengers with disabilities, ensuring passengers are safely seated before moving, and maintaining professional conduct while operating the vehicle. When a bus driver breaches this duty through actions like speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield right-of-way, or not properly securing the bus before passengers board or exit, they and their employer can be held liable for resulting injuries. Because of this heightened standard of care, it's often easier to prove negligence against bus drivers and transit companies compared to regular car accident cases, as any deviation from proper safety procedures can constitute a breach of their enhanced duty to protect passengers and the public.
