It’s National School Bus Safety Week! This year’s event runs from October 21-25 so this week is the perfect time to remind drivers about slowing down, staying alert, and following best practices when they encounter a school bus on the road. Statistics show that school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for students, but accidents can still happen – especially when drivers fail to follow their state’s school bus laws. More than 25 million children ride school buses on a daily basis, so it’s essential that drivers do their part to keep kids safe while sharing the road.
School Bus Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children are approximately 70 times safer when they travel in a bus than by car. However, accidents can and do still happen, particularly when other vehicles fail to stop or pass a school bus illegally. According to nsc.org, in 2022, 104 people were killed in school bus-related crashes, a tragic reminder that increased awareness and caution are still needed.
Best Practices for Drivers When Sharing the Road with a School Bus
To protect students, drivers must follow the rules of the road and drive with caution when they encounter school buses. Here are seven best practices that every driver should follow:
- Obey flashing lights and signals. When a school bus has flashing yellow lights, it means the driver is preparing to stop. This is your cue to slow down and be ready to stop. If you see red lights and an extended stop sign, that means children are boarding or exiting the bus, and you must stop until the bus moves or the signals are turned off.
- Stop when the school bus stops. When the bus extends its stop sign and turns on flashing red lights, you are legally required to stop or risk large fines. This rule applies to traffic traveling in both directions unless you are on a divided highway.
- Stay alert and watch for children. Children can be unpredictable because they are impulsive and don’t necessarily understand the flow of traffic. Sometimes children run into the street unexpectedly so drivers must stay alert and be prepared to stop quickly, especially near bus stops or school zones.
- Slow down in school zones and near bus stops. Reduce your speed in designated school zones when lights are flashing and when you see a bus picking up or dropping off children. Slower speeds are an important way to help prevent accidents and give drivers more time to react.
- Allow plenty of space. Buses make frequent stops, and children may be crossing the street as they get on or off the bus so it’s a good idea to keep a safe distance.
- Be mindful of blind spots. School buses have large blind spots, especially at the rear. Never attempt to overtake a bus on the right, and do not linger in blind spots for any longer than you must.
- Use extra caution in bad weather. Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility, making it harder to see children and buses. In poor weather conditions, it is a good idea to slow down, increase your following distance, and use headlights.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
National School Bus Safety Week is a great time to remind drivers to be cautious when driving near school buses and to always follow the law. By slowing down, staying alert, and stopping when the stop sign is extended, drivers can help prevent accidents and protect children on their way to and from school and extracurricular activities.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!