What protects you from being called to court as a defendant while driving a school bus?

The Tort Claim Act provides a means of protection for school bus drivers and other public employees from being sued personally while performing their official duties. This act is designed to limit lawsuits against government entities and their employees, ensuring that individuals are not held personally liable for actions taken within the scope of their employment, as long as they were acting in good faith and performing their duties appropriately.

This is particularly relevant for school bus drivers, as they often operate in high-stakes environments with many variables at play. The Tort Claim Act serves to shield them from being taken to court as defendants in most cases related to their duties, as long as their actions do not involve gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

In contrast, while insurance coverage can protect against certain liabilities, it does not completely shield a driver from being called to court. Safety inspections and driver training are essential for ensuring that the bus is safe to operate and that the driver is competent, but these do not provide legal protections regarding court summons in the same way that the Tort Claim Act does.