Less than one percent of roadway fatalities involve U.S. school buses, transporting more than 20 million students daily. Although the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road, accidents still occur. In the last decade, passengers in other vehicles and pedestrians constituted the majority of injuries and fatalities related to school buses.
Share Responsibility
Roadway safety is a shared responsibility. Be cautious when driving behind a school bus and keep a greater following distance than with a car. Do not pass a bus, especially when it has stopped, and bear in mind:
- When the bus extends its “stop” arm, stop at least 10 feet from the bus.
- Wait until all students safely exit or enter the bus and for the bus to retract its “stop” arm. The area around a school bus is the most dangerous for children.
- Motorists can drive past a bus if they are separated by guardrails or medians.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted walking has seen a rise in fatality rates since 2009, accounting for over 7,000 deaths. School bus safety isn’t just for motorists, but extends to pedestrians:
- Walk on sidewalks when possible. If sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing traffic.
- Cross at designated crosswalks. Avoid walking while texting, talking, or wearing headphones since crossing streets while engrossed in devices is dangerous.
Education Is Key
Teenagers account for a larger percentage of school bus-related pedestrian fatalities, with most occurring in the morning. Vital to maintain a safe commute, advise students to
- Arrive 5 minutes early at the bus stop, allowing them to cross the road safely before the bus arrives.
- Stay a minimum of 5-10 feet from roads or curbs while waiting for the bus. Traffic can be unpredictable and dangerous.
- If necessary to cross the street to enter or exit the bus, check both ways first. Maintain eye contact with the bus driver and walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see them.