Many people don’t know much about school bus transportation safety, nor the fact that a bus is the safest way for their children to get to and from school every day. Traveling by car, bike or even on foot are significantly less safe than riding on the school bus.
In fact, NHTSA statistics show that 58% of annual student fatalities during normal school travel hours happen while the student is traveling with a teen driver, 23% with an adult driver and only 1% on a school bus.
School Bus Safety Design
Several state-of-the-art safety features allow school buses on the market today to deliver your child to and from their destination without incident, including:
- High visibility: Buses are painted with bright colors to ensure that both pedestrians and other motorists notice the vehicle quickly. They also have flashing lights and extended stop arms so that drivers know when children are getting off the bus or boarding it.
- GPS: High-definition systems on many buses allow the driver to find the exact location and speed of their vehicle so they can easily stay within the speed limit, keep to the route and avoid hazards.
- Child Check-Mate System®: It’s not uncommon for kids to take naps on the bus if their route is lengthy. This on-board electronic system reminds drivers to check the bus for sleeping children before leaving each night.
- Seating: Bus seats are well-anchored in place. They have heavy padding and high backs so that the entire seating area is protected in the event of jarring movement or, in rare situations, a crash.
- Compartmentalization: Seat belts on school buses aren’t required because the buses use a different type of crash protection. Because the buses are larger and heavier, they distribute crash forces differently than light trucks and passenger cars. With compartmentalization, the interior of the bus features strong, closely-spaced seats with seat backs that absorb energy.
Safety Features for Small School Buses
Buses for special needs students and preschool children tend to be smaller than their full-sized counterparts. They often utilize car seats and specialized restraint systems. They have to be equipped with either lap belts or lap/shoulder belts on every designated seating position. Seat belts on these school buses are necessary because the bus is smaller and doesn’t have full compartmentalization.
Safety Protocols and Regulations for School Buses
NHTSA has established minimum safety requirements for school buses that are more stringent than those for other types of buses. It’s important for drivers to stay safe throughout every trip as well, and for parents to teach their children important safety tips to keep in mind each school year for an optimal riding experience. Contact Rohrer Bus or call us at 1-888-287-1538 to buy or rent cutting-edge buses with high-quality safety features.
