It’s hard to believe, but summer is halfway over. In less than a month, that yearly ritual of getting children ready for school will begin all over again. Many of those children will be traveling to and from school on school buses. As parents, we often have mixed feelings about watching our children walk out the door to the bus stop or climb up the steps onto the bus. Whether we like it or not, children grow up, and finally getting to ride the school bus is part of that process. Worrying about your child riding the school bus, however, is also a natural part of the process—and you may have good reason to worry.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, an average of 142 people die each year in school bus-related accidents. Not all of those victims are children. In fact, a Department of Transportation study revealed that an average of 20 children die each year in school bus-related accidents, meaning that the majority of fatalities in school bus-related accidents are adults, not the children riding the bus. For a parent though, even 20 deaths a year is a frightening figure. In addition, many more children and adults are injured in school bus-related accidents each year. More than half of the accidents involving school buses also involve another vehicle, according to the NHTSA; however, a substantial number of school bus accidents also involve the school bus colliding with a pedestrian.

Ways to Prevent School Bus Accidents

Whether you are a concerned parent or a safety-conscious pedestrian, there are steps you can take to limit the risk of being injured in a school bus-related accident.

• Talk to your children about the importance of school bus safety. Explain to them that the rules they are required to follow on or near the school bus are intended to keep them safe, not just make them miserable. Stress that anything that distracts the driver is particularly dangerous to everyone on the bus.
• Get to know the school bus driver. This is particularly important if you have small children. All school bus drivers should take their responsibility seriously, but making it personal can only help. In addition, by introducing yourself to the driver he or she may feel more inclined to communicate with you if there are any issues on the bus that could affect the safety of the children onboard.
• Stress to your children the importance of using the proper procedure for getting on and off the bus. Boarding and exiting in an orderly fashion, using the handrails, and keeping away from the bus until it is time to board are all important.
• Stay clear of the bus unless you are boarding or exiting. Buses have “blind spots” just like other vehicles. Although most are equipped with mirrors that are intended to help with those areas, do your part as well by steering clear of them. The areas on both sides at the front of the bus and at the very back of the bus should be avoided at all times.
• Pack backpacks well. Don’t risk having your child jump off the bus at the last minute to pick up something that fell or trip over something that is hanging loose.
• Abide by all rules relating to where and when you should cross the street. A school bus cannot stop on a dime. Do not walk out in front of one.
• Question a bus stop location if it does not appear safe to you. Your child’s safety is at stake. If you feel that a bus stop is not safe for any reason, contact the appropriate officials now before something tragic happens.

As the school year gears up again, we hope that these safety tips will be of help in keeping you and your children safe. If you are involved in a school bus accident in New York or New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact the car accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P.  We may be able to help. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 for your free consultation, or fill out our online contact form.