School Bus Safety

Considering the cargo, school buses are perhaps the most important vehicles on the road to keep safe. Unfortunately, accidents still happen.  On average, 26 children die every year in bus-related accidents, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis.  Of these, 7 are bus occupants and 19 are pedestrians.  Roughly 70% of deaths are occupants of other vehicles and 20% are pedestrians. 

For the most part, these accidents are preventable.  The common factor, whether the bus strikes a vehicle or pedestrian, is adherence to safety rules.  Avoiding danger on and around the bus is matter of educating young passengers and adult drivers. 

Boarding the Bus
Children are naturally physically active.  Normally this is healthy, but in close proximity to traffic, especially an oncoming bus, focus and self-control keeps them safe.  Children must: 

• Avoid traffic while waiting for the bus.
• Move back as the bus approaches.
• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching.
• Use the handrail when boarding the bus.

Behavior on the Bus
Bus drivers have to deal with driving a large vehicle while monitoring their passengers.  A distraction inside the bus can lead to a disaster on the road.  To allow the driver to focus, and the vehicle to travel safely, it is important that children always:

• Remain seated.
• Keep head, arms, and hands out of the window.
• Keep aisles clear.
• Keep noise to a minimum.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up.

Exiting the School Bus
Someone who drives any vehicle has to deal with "blind spots" when turning. The most difficult area of a bus to see around is the front part of the vehicle.  Children need to be taught how to safely exit the bus and cross the road while aware of oncoming traffic. 

Vehicles on the road are supposed to do their part to protect children that exit a bus.  By law, they must stop in response to a school bus with flashing lights and a lowered stop arm.  But vehicles don't always do this, so children must consistently follow traffic safety rules:

• Cross in front of the bus
• Walk ten feet ahead of the bus before crossing
• Make sure that the driver can see you
• Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing
• Watch for oncoming traffic
• Avoid the bus' rear wheels at all times

Increasing Safety
Educating bus passengers is only part of the solution.  Vehicles sharing the road with buses must observe safety regulations.   The most common cause of accidents is when a vehicle fails to observe a bus' stop arm and flashing lights.  In 2003, New Jersey developed a program to address the problem: motorists were informed through signs, bus drivers were encouraged to report violations, and enforcement efforts were increased by police.  In 2003, coincidentally, New Jersey enjoyed a 60% reduction in violations.

The bulk of bus-related accidents occur when passengers or motorists ignore safety.  Prevention is a matter of following the rules.