A Guide to School Bus Safety
by Jeffrey J. Kroll
Ensuring School Bus Safety
As the school year begins, one of the most important aspects of ensuring our children’s safety is transportation. Like it or not, school buses are a critical part of this equation. They offer a reliable and efficient way to get students to and from school. However, safety concerns remain. Ensuring the safety of these bus rides requires vigilance and cooperation from school officials, bus drivers, and parents alike.
Teaching Safe Waiting Practices
Teach your children the importance of waiting for the bus in a safe place, away from the road. Students should never run to or from the bus.
Importance of Punctuality
Punctuality is essential. Make sure your child is early to avoid last-minute rushes.
Following Bus Rules
Once on the bus, students should remain seated and follow the bus driver’s rules.
Visibility in Adverse Conditions
If it is dark outside or the weather is adverse, ensure your child wears bright, reflective clothing to be visible to school buses and other vehicles.
Avoiding Distractions
While it may seem challenging, students should avoid using devices like phones while waiting, as they can distract them from their surroundings.
Safety Statistics and Tips
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for students. Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involving school-age children occur on school transportation vehicles. Although this number is low, accidents can still happen, often due to the conduct of the bus company or its driver.
Similarly, the National Safety Council notes that most student accidents happen between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. when children are walking home from school. Teach your children to use crosswalks, avoid distractions like cell phones, and obey traffic signals.
Shared Responsibility
School bus safety is a shared responsibility involving bus drivers, schools, other motorists, and students. By staying informed and vigilant, we can help ensure that school buses remain a safe and effective mode of transportation for our children.
If you or a loved one were injured in a school bus accident, do not hesitate to contact the school negligence lawyers at Kaveny + Kroll for a free consultation. Call us at 1.312.761.KKTL.