Millions of children across the country ride the school bus five days a week through the school year to get them to and from school. While school buses are an exceptionally safe way for students to travel, accidents can still happen, and even a single incident can lead to serious or fatal injuries. That’s why it’s so important for drivers, parents, and schools to stay alert and follow safety rules. In recognition of National School Bus Safety Week, October 20–24, 2025, we’re taking a closer look at school bus accident statistics and why school bus accidents happen and how they can be prevented.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, know that you are not alone. A skilled local personal injury lawyer can review your case, explain your legal rights, and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve for your losses.
School Bus Accident Statistics
Here are some sobering school bus accidents statistics for the period 2014 to 2023:
- 971 fatal school-bus-related crashes, with 1,079 people of all ages killed in those crashes (which averaged 108 fatalities per year).
- 209 school-age children died in school-bus-related traffic accidents. Of these fatalities, 38 were occupants of school buses, 83 were occupants of other vehicles, 79 were pedestrians, six were bicyclists, and three were classified as “other” nonoccupants.
- An additional 113 adult occupants were killed in school buses. Of these, 48 were drivers, and 65 were passengers (with 70 percent being passengers in other vehicles).
In addition:
- between 2000-2023, there were 61 fatalities in crashes that involved a driver illegally passing a stopped school bus and almost half of those fatalities (26) were child pedestrians.
Biggest Risks for School Bus Accidents
Even though school buses are one of the safest vehicles on the road, accidents can still occur when other drivers, weather, or poor judgment come into play. Understanding the most common risks can help prevent tragic incidents and keep children safe during their daily commute.
Common causes of school bus accidents include:
- Illegal school bus passing. When drivers ignore school bus stop arms or flashing lights, they put children at serious risk while they’re boarding or leaving the bus.
- Distracted driving. Both bus drivers and other drivers increase the risk of accidents by texting, talking on the phone, or not paying attention to the road.
- Speeding or reckless driving. Driving too fast near school buses or in school zones reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time and increases the likelihood and severity of a potential collision.
- Tailgating. Failing to leave enough space behind a bus can lead to a dangerous rear-end collision.
- Ignoring blind spots. When a bus driver fails to check their bus’s large blind spots, it can put pedestrians and other vehicles at risk of being hit.
- Mechanical issues or lack of maintenance. Worn brakes, tires, or other mechanical failures can contribute to school bus accidents.
How to Prevent School Bus Accidents
Drivers can take several steps to reduce the risk of school bus accidents. One of the most important is to always stop whenever a school bus has its stop sign extended, no matter which side of the bus you are on.
Other safety tips include:
- Paying extra attention to the road when school busses are nearby
- Slowing down in school zones and near school busses
- Allowing plenty of space when driving behind a school bus
Click here for a more complete list of school bus accident safety tips.
Seek the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a school bus accident because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced 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! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
