Here in Cobb County, school is officially back in session for the 2024-25 school year. While that brings the excitement of new beginnings and opportunities for students, it also means busier, school-bus-filled commutes. In order to keep everyone on the road safe, find out how drivers and students can work together to ensure safe travels.
School buses have been specifically designed (and regulated) to prevent crashes and injuries. In fact, they are often considered the safest vehicle on the road. However, school bus related injuries and fatalities are still an ongoing threat.
According to the US Department of Transportation, an average of 108 fatalities per year have occurred during school commutes from 2013-2022. Of the total 1,082 people that died, 198 were children– and 35 were in school buses.
Thankfully, there are measures that can be taken to reduce this risk. It’s important for bus drivers, students, and other commuters to cooperate with these guidelines to stay safe.
For Students:
- Cross the road in front of a bus, rather than behind, so bus drivers and those traveling the opposite way will see you.
- Do not linger or squat near the bus to pick up dropped items. Instead, first alert the driver to be sure they see you .
- Use the “SAFE” acronym during bus pickup and drop-off. In terms of school bus safety, SAFE stands for:
- Stay 10 feet back from the curb.
- Always wait for the bus to stop completely and watch for the driver’s signal before boarding.
- Face forward once you find your seat.
- Exit the bus only after it stops and you have checked the streets for cars.
For Bus Drivers:
- Anticipate your stops in order to properly brake for the size of the vehicle.
- Watch for cars and other obstacles during wide turns that require using the outside lane.
- Stay alert– don’t count on other drivers stopping during pick-ups or keeping their distance.
For Other Commuters:
- Heed flashing lights. When they begin to blink yellow, be aware that the bus will soon come to a complete stop.
- Maintain your distance when driving behind a school bus to make room for their frequent stops.
- Do not pass a stopped school bus. Despite it being illegal in all 50 states, there has been over 55 fatalities involving passing a stopped school bus since 2000.
- Exercise extra caution when driving near bus stops in the event that children are rushing to make it to their stop.
- Exercise SIPDE.
The recent passing of Georgia’s Addy’s Law comes after the tragic death of an 8-year-old girl who was hit by a driver who failed to yield at a school bus stop. As a result, illegal bus passing fines have now quadrupled. This should serve as a reminder to commuters of the gravity of school bus safety.
As parents, friends, and community members, we all play a crucial role in keeping our students safe around school buses. By following key safety measures and encouraging others to stay vigilant, we can work together to prevent bus accidents and ensure a safer environment for our children.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN IN A BUS-RELATED ACCIDENT, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND THEN GIVE US A CALL AT (770) 427-5498 OR CONTACT US ON AWJLAW.COM FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TO FIND OUT THE NEXT STEPS YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE.
Categories: Bus Accidents, Safety Tips
