What common issue has been attributed to accidents involving passengers in buses?

The issue of loading and unloading passengers when unsafe is a significant factor contributing to accidents involving passengers in buses. This situation often arises when passengers are boarding or alighting from the bus while it is in motion, or when the bus is stopped in unsafe areas, such as busy traffic lanes or on highways without a designated bus stop.

When passengers are not safely positioned while getting on or off the bus, they are at a greater risk of falling, being struck by vehicles, or causing disruptions that can lead to accidents. Proper protocol and awareness about safe loading and unloading practices are essential to minimize these risks. Bus operators and drivers must ensure that passengers are able to board and exit safely, ideally in designated areas where visibility and traffic conditions are manageable.

Other factors, while they can also contribute to accidents, do not specifically pertain to the inherent safety issues related to passenger handling during loading and unloading processes. For instance, traffic congestion can delay travel but does not directly affect passenger safety during entry or exit. Similarly, driving under the influence and poor road conditions are broader factors affecting vehicle operation and control but do not focus specifically on the interaction between the bus and the passengers during the critical moments of boarding and alighting.