Author: Shelby Benavidez
Contributing Attorney: Dana Nichols
School enrollment and verification packets are starting to disburse, which means it’s time for you to consider how your child will get to and from school this coming school year. As parents, we all know the internal debate of whether or not our child should ride the school bus. For some families, it’s the only feasible transportation option. For others, it’s a matter of weighing safety, convenience, and trust in the system. Here’s what every parent should know about school bus safety so you can make the best choice for your child.
Are School Buses Safe? The Numbers Say Yes
School buses are statistically among the safest modes of transportation for children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely on a school bus than in a passenger car. But data only tells part of the story. As parents, our concern isn’t just about numbers, but also about what could happen and how to protect our children from those risks.
Daniel Stark attorney and mom, Dana Nichols, said, “Statistically speaking, school buses may even be safer than cars in the event of a crash. School buses are designed to be highly visible on the outside and structurally safe on the inside. That being said, there are innumerable factors involved when we consider whether a certain method of transportation is ‘safe.’ I encourage all parents to make informed, case-by-case decisions for their family.”
The Real Risks All Parents Should Know
The “Danger Zone” Is the Biggest Threat
The most dangerous moments aren’t on the bus – they’re around it. The “danger zone” is a 10-foot perimeter surrounding the bus, especially in front and behind. This is where most injuries and fatalities occur, often because children aren’t seen by the driver or are hit by passing vehicles.
“The ‘Danger Zone’ basically refers to the school bus’s blind spots,” Nichols said. “These 10-foot zones are extensive, and the bus driver’s visibility is limited.”
To reduce this risk, it’s important to teach your child to walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus when crossing, to always make eye contact with the driver before stepping in front of the vehicle, and never to attempt picking up dropped items near the wheels without notifying the driver or an adult. These small habits can make a big difference in safety.
“One of the biggest problems is when a student does not realize that he or she is within the Danger Zone until it’s too late,” Nichols added. “This is why it’s so critical to teach children school bus safety early and often!”
Inside the Bus Is Safer Than You Think
Inside the bus, design features like high-backed, padded seats create a safety system known as compartmentalization, absorbing energy during a crash. In fact, the interior design is why most school buses are not federally required to have seatbelts. However, Texas law mandates that any school bus purchased after 2018 needs to have three-point seatbelts to provide additional protection for students. Seatbelts can protect your child in the event of a rollover, but the most meaningful safety measures are still adult supervision, driver alertness, and student behavior management.
What Is the Most Important Safety Factor in a School Bus?
The driver of the school bus carries most of the responsibility for keeping students safe and could be considered the most important safety factor. In Texas, school bus drivers are required to hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with both a “P” for passenger and an “S” for school bus endorsement. Before getting behind the wheel, they have to pass criminal background checks and drug screenings, complete a certified School Bus Driver Training Course, and obtain medical clearance to ensure they are physically and mentally fit for duty.
The process can be tedious, but it’s important because school districts can be held legally responsible if they hire an illegal driver or if they fail to properly train negligent drivers. Knowing that legal liability is at stake, districts usually have strong motivation to keep their standards high when hiring qualified drivers.
If you ever feel uncertain about your district’s driver policies, you have the right to ask. Contact the transportation office and inquire about how drivers are selected, trained, and monitored. Your peace of mind is worth it.
Improving Safety Through Technology and Education
Onboard Safety Tools
Many Texas school districts have taken steps to modernize their school bus fleets by adding safety technologies. Stop-arm cameras are installed to capture evidence of vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. Interior cameras help monitor both student behavior and driver conduct. GPS tracking systems provide real-time data on bus locations, improving accountability and allowing schools and parents, in some cases, to track buses during transit. While these technologies don’t necessarily prevent accidents from happening, they provide documentation and accountability that can be invaluable in investigating and resolving safety concerns.
Education Is Key
Young children don’t always understand how their behavior affects their safety. That’s why it’s so important to teach them how to act safely on and around the school bus. Educating them around bus safety can go a long way in preventing accidents. Students should be reminded to stay seated while the bus is in motion, to use quiet voices that won’t distract the driver, and to always cross in front of the bus, never behind it. They should also be taught to listen carefully to the driver, especially during emergency situations.
Nichols provided 13 crucial tips for students:
1) Stand far away from the edge of the road while waiting for the bus.
2) Always stay seated when the bus is in motion.
3) Wait until the driver tells you it’s safe to enter or exit.
4) If you have to walk in front of a bus, try to be 10 feet away. Parents need to help kids learn to estimate the appropriate distance by practicing at home!
5) Never cross the street in front of a bus without making sure the driver sees you and waves you across.
6) If you drop something in front of the bus, do NOT try to pick it up until the bus has left the area.
7) NEVER be a distraction on the bus.
8) If other kids are being distracting and putting the driver or other kids in danger, alert the appropriate authority figures including the teacher, principal, or parent.
9) Always use handrails when entering or exiting the bus.
10) No horseplay on the bus.
11) Keep backpacks and other personal items out of the aisles.
12) Don’t stick anything out the windows.
13) Always be aware of other drivers around the bus and know that they may not see you entering or exiting!
Aside from these tips, many districts include bus safety protocols in student handbooks or provide orientation sessions. Reinforcing these messages at home can strengthen their impact and show students that parents and schools are on the same team when it comes to safety.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Bus Accidents?
Most school bus accidents are caused by driver error, either from the bus driver or other drivers. This includes distracted driving, speeding, illegal passing, and failure to yield. While bus drivers can be held liable, the actions of drivers approaching or passing the school bus often pose the most danger to student passengers.
Children aged 5 to 10 are particularly vulnerable to fatal accidents because they are small and harder to see over the height of the bus. They also don’t fully understand the risk of crossing in front of the bus and other traffic. Legally, these young children are considered especially at risk, and courts place a higher duty of care on schools and drivers to protect them.
Children with disabilities who require special transportation accommodations face their own unique challenges. If schools fail to provide compliant services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, they may be subject to federal civil rights claims if an injury occurs as a result.
School bus accidents tend to happen most often in urban or suburban areas, especially near school zones, intersections, and neighborhood streets where buses frequently stop. Even low-speed collisions in these areas can cause serious injury to young pedestrians.
What Texas Law Says About School Bus Safety
Texas law mandates several key protections for student passengers. Motorists are required to stop when school buses are loading or unloading children and displaying flashing red lights. Violators face fines between $500 and $1,250, and a second offense within five years can result in a driver’s license suspension of up to six months.
“If you pass a school bus with its stop sign out, red flashing lights activated, or stop arm barrier outstretched, you may be issued a hefty fine! The amount of the fine depends on whether you’ve been fined before for the same offense and how long ago the previous offense(s) happened,” Nichols said. “You can also be convicted of a class A misdemeanor if you hurt someone because you failed to stop, and if you hurt someone because you didn’t stop for the school bus more than once, you can even be convicted of a felony!”
All new school buses purchased after 2018 must be equipped with three-point seatbelts, according to the Texas Education Code. Older buses are exempt unless they are replaced, allowing districts time to phase in compliance.
As mentioned previously, school bus drivers must meet a variety of safety and training standards. They are required to hold a CDL with both “P” and “S” endorsements, complete a state-approved School Bus Driver Certification Course, pass annual drug screenings, and undergo physical and mental health evaluations as outlined in the Texas Transportation Code.
For students with disabilities, both federal and state laws require that transportation services be accessible and secure. This includes equipment such as wheelchair lifts, securement systems, and trained aides who understand the specific needs of these students. Failure to meet these standards may result in civil litigation and potentially significant penalties for school districts or contracted providers.
What You Can Do as a Parent
There are several proactive steps you can take to make sure your child’s school bus experience is as safe as possible. Start by asking questions. Reach out to your district’s transportation department and inquire about driver training protocols, vehicle inspection schedules, and how bus stop locations are determined. This helps you stay informed and reassured that proper measures are in place.
It’s also important to model good behavior. Follow school bus safety laws yourself, such as stopping for buses with flashing red lights. When your child sees you respecting the rules, they’re more likely to do the same.
If your child ever reports unsafe behavior by the driver or other students, don’t hesitate to report it. Many school buses are equipped with surveillance systems that can verify incidents, and your report could help prevent accidents from happening in the future.
Lastly, consider joining the broader conversation. School boards often hold public meetings on transportation safety and budget decisions. Participating in these discussions gives you the chance to advocate for improvements and ensure that parent perspectives are heard.
So, Is It Safe to Put Your Child on the Bus?
Yes, for most families, it is. School buses are well-regulated, statistically safe, and designed with children in mind. But that doesn’t mean there are no risks. Ultimately, a school bus is as safe as the systems supporting it, including trained drivers, clear laws, reliable infrastructure, and informed parents. If you still have doubts, take a proactive role in your child’s transportation. Understanding the risks will help you make a decision based on facts, not fear.
Contact an Attorney
If your child was injured on or around a school bus due to negligence from a driver, school staff, a third-party contractor, or even a reckless motorist, you may have legal options. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether you have a valid claim, determine who is responsible, and advocate for the compensation your family may be entitled to. In cases involving serious injury, disability, or long-term trauma, this step can be critical in securing your child’s care and holding negligent parties accountable.
“If your child was injured while entering, exiting, or riding a school bus, the best thing you can do is consult with a personal injury attorney ASAP! The sooner the better,” Nichols said. “School bus liability/negligence can be complicated. Let an attorney do the investigation to sort through the complexities so you can be there to care for your child!”
Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if something doesn’t feel right. Most attorneys offer free consultations and can guide you through your options without obligation. Your child’s safety and future deserve strong, informed advocacy.
