Chicago’s CTA drivers are racking up tickets from red light cameras despite the recent hire of over 400 new bus drivers to combat less than desirable driving conditions including weather, street construction, and bus over-crowding.
Traffic accidents caused by buses can be as dangerous as a moving semi-truck. At times carrying upwards of 40 people at a time bus drivers can easily be distracted from various things including passengers on the bus, stopped traffic in an intersection, pedestrians, bikers, as well as other vehicles on the road. Bus drivers have great responsibilities when transporting daily commuters and tourists around Chicago.
Red light tickets written out to bus drivers are on the rise at busy intersections where vehicle accidents often occur. Running a red light, especially in a bus can mean major fines and the potential for fatal accidents if drivers and pedestrians are not careful and aware of their surroundings. In the past, bus drivers paid for any tickets they received while working, the state law requires the owner of a vehicle to pay the fine. Now with a recent change in law, the CTA pays for the ticket, but a cost remains for drivers. For their first ticket, bus drivers get a three-day unpaid suspension from work, and if they receive another violation within two years they are dismissed from CTA employment unless there are extenuating circumstances.
If you have been hurt in a bus, car, or pedestrian accident due to the negligence of a bus, contact the personal injury attorneys at the Horwitz Law Group. Call today to schedule a FREE consultation with Chicago’s personal injury attorney at(312) 641-9200.
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