National School Bus Safety Week: Ensuring a Safe Start to the School Year
National School Bus Safety Week, celebrated from October 21 to 25 in 2024, is an important initiative to raise awareness about the importance of school bus safety. Let’s take a closer look at why this is so important:
About 25 million students in the United States ride school buses each year.
There are ~ 500,000 school bus drivers in the United States.
The NHTSA reports that ~ 17,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries related to school bus crashes.
School bus safety is critically important, especially at the beginning of the school year, for several reasons:
- Increased Traffic and Commuting Patterns:
At the start of the school year, roads are busier as students, parents, and buses establish their routines. This increase in traffic leads to more congestion and a higher risk of accidents. Drivers might need time to adjust to the presence of school buses and the rules associated with them, such as stopping for buses that are loading or unloading children.
- New Students and Unfamiliar Routes:
Many students, particularly younger ones or those who have recently moved, may be unfamiliar with the routines and safety protocols of riding the bus. They need to learn and adapt to safe behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street and understanding the importance of remaining seated on the bus.
- Increased Risk in the “Danger Zone”:
The “danger zone” is a 10-foot area surrounding the bus where children are most at risk of being hit. At the beginning of the school year, children may not be as vigilant or aware of the dangers, especially when excited or distracted. They need time to learn how to safely approach and leave the bus.
- New Bus Drivers and Routes:
The start of the school year often brings new bus drivers who are still becoming familiar with their routes and the students they transport. This learning curve can increase the risk of accidents or near misses.
- Driver Awareness:
As schools reopen, all drivers need a reminder to be vigilant around school buses and school zones. They must be obey speed limits, be cautious and aware, and adhere to rules about stopping for school buses.
- Setting a Safety Culture:
Emphasizing school bus safety helps establish a culture of safety that can persist throughout the school year. It sets expectations for students, parents, and drivers about the importance of safe practices around buses and schools.
By focusing on school bus safety, , schools, parents, and transportation authorities all do their part to reduce accidents, prevent injuries, and ensure that children have a safe start to their school year.