Respondents from across the United States shared their insights about safety in school transportation.
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In a recent survey by School Bus Fleet, school transportation professionals cited student behavior as the most significant factor affecting safety on the school bus and indicated that they felt great confidence in bus drivers carrying students to and from school each day.
Several respondents also called for requiring stop-arm cameras on all school buses to deter illegal passing by motorists and others urged the federal government to mandate seat belts.
Ahead of October’s National School Bus Safety Week, examine the results of this survey to gain insights into what’s happening in school transportation operations throughout the United States.
As a transportation professional, what do you consider to be the most significant safety concern related to school transportation?
Half of our respondents ranked student behavior above other safety concerns, including illegal passing of school buses with their stop arms extended.
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On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being excellent), how would you rate the overall safety of school transportation in your district/organization?
Most respondents (91%) gave their district high marks when it came to overall safety of their transportation operations.
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Have there been any significant incidents or accidents involving school transportation in your district/organizations in the past year?
More than two-thirds of respondents (68%) indicated that their transportation operations saw at least a few isolated safety incidents during the past year.
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On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being very satisfied), how satisfied are you with the communication and updates from your district/organizations regarding school transportation safety?
Respondents were split between high marks for communication and lower ratings, with 36% falling in the middle.
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How important do you believe it is for transportation professionals to collaborate with schools, parents, and local authorities to address safety concerns in school transportation?
All respondents felt it was important – many critically so – to collaborate with schools, parents, and law enforcement to address safety concerns.
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Are there any specific areas or routes where you believe additional safety measures, such as crossing guards or traffic signals, are needed?
Half the respondents indicated that more safety measures could be helpful in certain areas or along specific routes.
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In your experience, what has been the most effective method for mitigating traffic congestion near schools during drop-off and pick-up times?
More than two-thirds of respondents (69%) indicated that setting up designated drop-off/pick-up zones is most effective at mitigating traffic congestion.
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On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being very confident), how confident are you in the driving skills and behavior of school bus drivers in your district/organization?
Most respondents (91%) expressed significant confidence in the skills of school bus drivers in their operations.
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In your opinion, what additional safety measures should be implemented on school buses?
- Enhanced driver training and monitoring.
- Cameras to monitor student behavior.
- Improved emergency evacuation procedures.
- Seat belts for all students.
- Stop-arm cameras.
Respondents gave a wide variety of answers, but these were the top five suggestions.
Wes Platt
Executive Editor
Wes Platt joined Bobit in 2021 as executive editor of School Bus Fleet Magazine. He writes and edits content about student transportation, school bus manufacturers and equipment, legislative issues, maintenance, fleet contracting, and school transportation technology - from classic yellow diesel buses to the latest EPA-funded electric, propane, and CNG vehicles.
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