NHTSA Launches New School Bus Safety Campaign

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about the launching of a new school bus safety campaign. Although the statistically safest form of transportation for children is school buses, there are risks associated with bus stops, especially with distracted and dangerous drivers on roadways. The NHTSA is deploying new resources from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address illegal passing of school buses. 

The launch will include a national paid media campaign. The campaign, which will run until October 31, is aimed at educating drivers about the dangers and consequences of illegally passing stopped school buses. When school buses turn on their flashing lights and put out their stop-arm, drivers have to slow down and prepare to stop.  

Danger at The Bus Stop  

According to the NHTSA, from 2010 to 2019, there were 1.6 times more fatalities among pedestrians than occupants of school transportation vehicles. Many of these incidents are happening at bus stops. A 2019 survey from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil  Transportation Services found that 130,963 school bus drivers reported that 95,319 vehicles passed their buses illegally on a single day. During a 180-day school year, this means that more than 17 million violations are happening across the country.  

Overall, school buses are the safest form of transportation for children. That being said, they’re not totally without risk, and the most dangerous part about riding the school bus is getting on and off of it. Every state in the U.S. has laws requiring drivers to stop when a school-bus stop arm is extended. 

School Bus Accidents in San Diego  

After any kind of school bus accident or injury accident at a bus stop, it’s important to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer about your case. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills and other expenses associated with the crash.  

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident or at a bus stop in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.