National School Bus Safety Week:
How Do we Keep Our Kids Safe on the Road?
Published: October 24, 2024
As we recognize National School Bus Safety Week from October 21-25, 2024, it's the perfect time to highlight the critical importance of school bus safety. Ensuring the safety of children on their way to and from school is a responsibility we all share, and understanding the risks and best practices can help prevent tragic accidents.
School buses are statistically the safest way to transport schoolchildren. However, risks remain, especially when drivers don’t follow safety protocols. In this blog, we’ll explore important facts, discuss ways to enhance safety, and provide actionable tips for parents, drivers, and communities.
School Bus Facts and Statistics
Understanding the numbers helps paint a clearer picture of the risks involved in school transportation-related accidents:
- From 2013 to 2022, there were 976 fatal school-transportation-related crashes, resulting in 1,082 fatalities across all age groups. This equates to an average of 108 fatalities per year.
- During this same period, 198 school-age children tragically lost their lives in school-transportation-related crashes:
- 35 were occupants of school buses,
- 80 were passengers in other vehicles,
- 76 were pedestrians,
- 5 were pedalcyclists, and
- 2 were classified as "other" non-occupants.
- Pedestrians were particularly vulnerable, with 1.5 times more fatalities (169) than school bus occupants (111) in school-transportation-related crashes.
- Among those who perished as occupants of school transportation vehicles, 50 were drivers, and 61 were passengers.
- Most of the fatalities in school-transportation-related crashes involved occupants of other vehicles (71%).
Despite being a safe mode of transport, illegal passing of stopped school buses continues to be a serious problem. Between 2000 and 2022, 55 fatalities occurred in accidents involving a driver passing a stopped school bus. Nearly half of those fatalities were pedestrians 18 years old or younger.
How Can We Improve School Bus Safety?
1. For Parents and Students
- Teach Bus Safety Rules: Make sure your child understands basic safety rules such as waiting for the bus at least 10 feet from the curb, avoiding horseplay near the bus, and crossing only when the driver signals it's safe.
- Get to Know the Route: Familiarize your child with their bus route so they know where to board and disembark safely.
2. For Drivers
- Respect School Bus Signals: Always stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights or extends its stop sign. This indicates children are either getting on or off the bus.
- Stay Alert in School Zones: Reduced speed limits in school zones are there to save lives. Be vigilant, especially when driving through neighborhoods in the morning or afternoon.
3. For Communities
- Support Safe Infrastructure: Advocate for better signage, well-maintained crosswalks, and designated school bus lanes to keep children safe on the roads.
- Raise Awareness: Participate in campaigns like National School Bus Safety Week to educate the public about the risks of illegal passing and distracted driving around school buses.
Understanding School Bus Safety Laws in California
California has strict laws to ensure the safety of children when they’re on or near school buses. Drivers must stop for school buses when the stop sign is extended and the lights are flashing. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and points on a driver’s license.
Additionally, in California:
- Drivers must stop from both directions on any two-lane road when a school bus is loading or unloading children.
- Fines for passing a stopped school bus can be as high as $1,000, and repeat offenders may face a license suspension.
It’s essential for parents, schools, and drivers to be aware of these laws to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
The Importance of Driver Education and Awareness
While school buses are statistically one of the safest ways for children to get to school, driver awareness is critical. As more distracted drivers are on the road, the risk to children rises. Discussing the importance of driver education and awareness could add depth to the blog:
How Drivers Can Help Keep Children Safe
- Eliminate Distractions: Drivers should avoid using mobile phones or other distractions when near school zones or school buses.
- Be Mindful of School Zones: School zones often have reduced speed limits during school hours, and drivers should pay close attention to these speed limits to avoid accidents.
- Follow the Law: Passing a stopped school bus is illegal and extremely dangerous. Educating drivers on the consequences of ignoring bus signals is crucial for child safety.
What to Do If Your Child Is Injured in a School Bus-Related Accident
Even though school buses are statistically safe, accidents happen, and sometimes children can get injured. Expanding on the legal side of what parents can do if their child is injured will make the blog more informative:
Steps to Take After a School Bus Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: If your child is involved in a school bus accident, immediate medical attention is the first priority, even if the injuries seem minor.
- Document the Incident: Collect as much information as possible. Take photos of the scene, talk to witnesses, and gather bus and driver information.
- Contact a Lawyer: School bus accidents involve both public and private entities, making legal claims more complex. It’s vital to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
Conclusion
National School Bus Safety Week serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping our children safe while they travel to and from school. By raising awareness and educating both drivers and parents, we can reduce the number of preventable accidents. It’s crucial to understand the laws, stay alert, and always prioritize the safety of schoolchildren.
If your child has been injured in a school bus-related accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. At Mercado & Sacramento, PC, we’re dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, contact Mercado & Sacramento, PC today. Whether it's a school bus accident or any personal injury case, we are here to help guide you through the process.
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