Bus tragedy reminds us that bad things can happen here

The tragic bus crash Monday is a reminder of how deadly our roads are, especially U.S. 27. It also reminds us that accidents like that are just one careless driver away. We hope all motorists are reminded to pay attention when behind the wheel.

Two people died and dozens more were injured when a tourist bus was hit by a car that turned in front of it just north of Lake Placid. The group of elderhostel visitors were touring Lake Placid, seeing the murals and enjoying the sights. They were part of the educational South Florida Community College program.

Apparently many of the victims were thrown out of the bus, which explains the severity of the injuries to so many. When a bus overturns, bodies are thrown around inside and the possibility of terrible injuries are very real.

Trying to prevent accidents like these is almost impossible. No signs or flashing lights prevent someone from being careless. The fact of the matter is, all of us who drive have done things that, in the right circumstance, could have hurt or killed someone. Thank goodness it didn't happen, but we've accidentally run a red light or turned in front of someone. It scares us to death.

Unfortunately these things do happen, but it does little to soften the horror of the people on that bus who were violently thrown about. Their injuries will last long after their wounds mend. And those who died will be mourned by all who knew them.

Our mostly peaceful corner of the world can erupt in tragedy at a moment's notice, as we've learned so many times. Innocent people die. Bad guys commit heinous crimes. Car accidents turn a peaceful drive into unspeakable destruction.

By all accounts, our emergency responders and hospitals did a fine job handling a big job. Training for mass casualties helps, but nothing can really prepare us for these situations. The good news is that we have professionals who handled it just fine.