How Many School Bus Accidents Happen Per Year?

Every day, thousands of children are transported to and from school via bus. While these vehicles are some of the safest on the road, accidents can still occur. Many times, these crashes can leave children and other vehicle occupants with serious injuries.

Everyone wants to believe their child will not be involved in a crash. However, these accidents do happen, albeit they are rare. So, how many school bus accidents happen per year? We will look at the statistics about these crashes.

Statistics on School Bus Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) categorizes a “school transportation-related crash” as involving a vehicle used as a school bus or functioning in that capacity. While there is no official number on the amount of school bus accidents, we can look at the statistics from the National Safety Council:

• In 2022, there were 104 deaths from school bus crashes. Out of those numbers, eight were school bus passengers, 4 were bus drivers, and 76 were drivers of other vehicles. Thirteen were either pedestrians, non-vehicle occupants, or bicyclists.
• For injury-related accidents, the number shows that there were 12,500 injury crashes in 2022. The majority of victims were other vehicle drivers or school bus passengers.

Keeping Children Safe

There are several measures in place to keep children, drivers, and other individuals safe in these circumstances. For example, in all 50 states, motorists are required to stop when a school bus displays its stop arm and flashing lights while children are present. Violating this law can lead to penalties for the vehicle driver.

Along with that, school bus drivers undergo extensive training and background checks. They need to meet strict requirements to transport children to and from school.

Additionally, buses must pass rigorous inspections to remain operational. Plus, all modern buses are equipped with cameras, GPS tracking, and other technologies to enhance safety.

With all these features in place, how do bus accidents still occur on the road?

Why Do School Bus Accidents Happen?

There are many reasons for these school bus accidents. Like any type of road incident, these can occur due to vehicle malfunction, driver error, or the actions of other motorists. Some of these common causes include:

• Driver error: Mistakes by either the school bus driver or other drivers on the road, such as failure to yield or speeding.
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can increase the chance of accidents.
• Mechanical failures: Although school buses undergo regular inspections, occasional mechanical issues can contribute to accidents.
• Other motorists: The majority of fatalities in school bus-related crashes are occupants of other vehicles.

Negligent Parties Involved in Bus Crashes

Many times, negligence is a factor in many school bus accidents. When there is a failure to exercise the level of care, it can result in harm or increased risk. Some of these negligent parties might include:

School Bus Drivers

School bus drivers are held to a high standard of care. They are responsible for the safety of children. However, accidents may occur when drivers fail to meet these expectations due to:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Fatigue or impairment
• Failure to follow protocols

Other Motorists

A portion of school bus accidents are caused by the negligent actions of other drivers on the road, including:

• Ignoring stop-arm laws
• Failure to yield
• Distracted or aggressive driving

Schools or Transportation Authorities

Negligence isn’t always limited to the individuals on the road. It can also be caused by issues related to schools or transportation departments, such as:

• Improper hiring practices
• Inadequate training
• Failing to inspect or maintain vehicles
• Poor route planning
• Failure to address complaints

Implications of Negligence

When negligence plays a role in school bus accidents, there are legal consequences that can follow. Depending on the situation, liability may rest with the negligent party. If you or your child were injured, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim. You can seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

In the unfortunate event that you lost a loved one to the crash, then you may file a wrongful death claim. School districts that act negligently can face fines for maintenance, hiring, or training. In these cases, they can also be named in a lawsuit.

School bus accidents are rare. But they still happen. If you or your child have been injured in a crash, you may have legal options. With that, you can seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. Trucking Injury Law Group can help you determine the next steps for your case.