NHTSA on National School Bus Safety Week

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently gearing up for National School Bus Safety Week, which will be running from October 16th through the 20th. During this time, they will be raising awareness about the dangers of illegally passing school buses. Although school buses are the statistically safest way to get children to and from school, they’re not totally without risk. In fact, the most dangerous part of taking the school bus to school is getting on and off of it. Illegal school bus passing is still a huge problem on U.S. roadways.   

School Bus Injury and Crash Facts  

  • From 2011 to 2020, there were 1,009 fatal school-transportation-related crashes.  
  • In those crashes, 1,125 people of all ages were killed.   
  • A total of 218 school-aged children (18 years and younger) died in school-bus-related crashes during that time period, either as occupants of school buses or other vehicles or on foot or bike.  
  • Of those 218 deaths, 85 of those children were walking.  
  • From 2000-2021, there were 53 fatalities in crashes that involved a driver illegally passing a stopped school bus.  
  • Almost half of those fatalities (25) were pedestrians who were 18 years old or younger.  

Talk to Your Kids About The Danger Zone  

With the school year in full swing, now is a good time to talk to your kids about The Danger Zone. The Danger Zone is the loading and unloading area right around the bus. This is 10 feet in front of the bus, 10 feet on either side of the bus and behind the bus, where the driver may not be able to see the child. Remind children of safe loading and unloading practices, like making eye contact with the bus driver and looking both ways before crossing the street.  

Be Prepared to Stop and Watch Out for Kids 

If you’re traveling at school times, such as in the morning or the afternoon, make sure you’re ready to stop if you see a school bus. When the yellow lights start flashing, prepare to stop. Also, remain vigilant and be on the lookout for children nearby.  

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