As students across New York City return to classrooms each fall, school buses once again become a familiar sight on neighborhood streets. While school buses are widely recognized as one of the safest forms of transportation for children, serious injuries can still occur when drivers, pedestrians, and families fail to follow important safety practices.
At a time when traffic congestion, distracted driving, and busy morning routines are common throughout the five boroughs, understanding school bus safety is more important than ever.
School Buses Are Safe, But Risks Still Exist
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road, and less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involving children occur in school transportation vehicles. However, children face the greatest risk when approaching, boarding, exiting, or crossing near a school bus.
NHTSA data also shows that more school age children involved in school transportation related traffic fatalities are pedestrians near buses than passengers inside them. These findings highlight an important reality: the most dangerous part of a child’s bus trip is often outside the bus itself.
Common School Bus Safety Hazards in NYC
New York City presents unique challenges because of its dense population, heavy traffic, cyclists, delivery vehicles, and crowded intersections. Some of the most common school bus safety dangers include:
Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses
When a school bus stops and extends its stop arm, drivers are legally required to stop. Yet illegal passing remains a persistent problem throughout New York State.
The New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee estimates that approximately 50,000 motorists illegally pass stopped school buses statewide every school day, creating serious risks for children entering or leaving the bus.
Distracted Driving
A driver looking at a phone for only a few seconds may fail to notice a child stepping into a crosswalk or crossing in front of a bus. School zones require full attention, reduced speeds, and heightened awareness.
Unsafe Crossings
Children may be difficult to see, especially in poor weather, during early morning hours, or when walking around parked vehicles. Drivers who fail to exercise caution near school bus stops can place children in danger.
Congested School Zones
Double parking, hurried drop offs, rideshare activity, and increased pedestrian traffic can all contribute to unsafe conditions around schools.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Every driver shares responsibility for keeping children safe around school buses.
Stop When Required
In New York, motorists must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins to move.
Slow Down Near Schools
School zones often have reduced speed limits to protect children. Give yourself extra time during morning and afternoon commute hours and remain alert for crossing guards and pedestrians.
Eliminate Distractions
Put away your phone and avoid any activity that takes your focus off the road. Children can appear unexpectedly near intersections, parked vehicles, and bus stops.
Watch for Children Crossing
Children frequently cross in front of school buses. Be especially cautious whenever you see a bus slowing down, stopping, or preparing to load or unload students.
Safety Tips for Parents and Students
Families also play a critical role in preventing injuries around school buses.
Arrive Early
NHTSA recommends arriving at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Children should wait in a safe location well away from traffic.
Stay a Safe Distance Away
Students should stand at least ten feet from the curb while waiting for the bus and avoid running, playing, or roughhousing near the roadway.
Board Carefully
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals that it is safe to board. Use handrails when entering or exiting the bus.
Never Walk Behind a Bus
Children should always stay where the driver can see them. NHTSA advises students never to walk behind a school bus because drivers may not be able to see them.
Cross in Front of the Bus Only When Directed
If it is necessary to cross the street, students should walk several feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver’s signal before proceeding. This helps ensure the driver can clearly see the child before they enter the roadway.
What to Do If a Child Is Injured Near a School Bus
Even when everyone attempts to follow the rules, serious incidents can still happen. Injuries may result from negligent drivers, distracted motorists, unsafe road conditions, or failures to follow traffic laws designed to protect children.
If a child suffers injuries in a school bus related traffic event:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Report the incident to law enforcement.
- Gather photographs, witness information, and any available video evidence.
- Preserve medical records and documentation.
- Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and potential options.
Depending on the circumstances, liability may involve a private driver, a commercial vehicle operator, a school transportation contractor, a government entity, or another responsible party.
Protecting NYC’s Youngest Commuters
School bus safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers must remain attentive, parents should reinforce safe habits, and students need to understand how to navigate bus stops and crossings safely.
By following established safety guidelines and exercising caution around school buses, New Yorkers can help reduce preventable injuries and create safer streets for children throughout the city.