NTSB Releases Full Report on Chattanooga and Baltimore School Bus Crashes
The 119-page document includes details on each crash, driver oversight issues, conclusions of the investigations, and the agency’s recommendations.

NTSB’s newly released report includes findings and recommendations on the 2016 fatal school bus crashes in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Baltimore, Maryland. Seen here is the school bus from the Baltimore crash.

NTSB’s newly released report includes findings and recommendations on the 2016 fatal school bus crashes in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Baltimore, Maryland. Seen here is the school bus from the Baltimore crash.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its full report on two high-profile school bus crashes that occurred in November 2016.
The special investigation report — titled “Selective Issues in School Bus Transportation Safety: Crashes in Baltimore, Maryland, and Chattanooga, Tennessee” — was the subject of an NTSB meeting in May. Board members adopted probable cause statements and recommendations related to the two crashes, in which a total of 12 people were killed and 37 were injured.
On Friday, NTSB announced that the full report is now available. The 119-page document includes details on each crash, driver oversight issues, findings on school bus occupant protection and crash prevention technologies, conclusions of the investigations, and the agency’s recommendations.
In the executive summary of the report, NTSB draws a key parallel between the Chattanooga and Baltimore crashes.
“Although the specific safety issues differed, the crashes shared one common factor: poor driver oversight by both the school districts and the contracted motor carriers, which resulted in unsafe operation of the school buses,” the agency says in the report.
NTSB also notes that while “school buses are extremely safe,” more can be done to reduce the potential for future losses like those in Chattanooga and Baltimore.
“Improved oversight of school bus drivers and enhancements to school bus design — such as installation of passenger lap/shoulder belts, electronic stability control, and automatic emergency braking — could prevent or mitigate such crash outcomes.”
More Safety

How to Build a Better School Bus Driver Training Program
Is it time to strengthen your driver training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety. This video is brought to you by IC Bus.
Read More →
Recent School Bus Accidents Leave 2 Dead, 2 Injured
Four school bus crashes in Florida, Illinois, and Georgia highlight risks in transportation lots, at bus stops, and during student loading and unloading.
Read More →
When Every Second Matters, Clarity Keeps Routes Moving
From routine delays to urgent incidents, strong communication practices help drivers, dispatchers, schools, and families respond with confidence.
Read More →
What Happens When a School Bus Catches Fire — and What Can Help
School bus fires are rare but can be devastating. Learn how advances in fire suppression and asset protection help fleets detect fires earlier, reduce damage, and improve safety.
Read More →
Geotab Launches Tool to Help Fleets Investigate Road Incidents
Geotab Investigations combines telematics data, video, documents, and other evidence to help fleets reconstruct incidents, resolve claims, and determine what happened.
Read More →
Texas Sixth Grader Wins 2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest
Sai Darshana Yekolu of Moseley Middle School in Prosper, Texas, was named the newest winner for her artwork, bringing the theme of “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” to life.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →
How To Build a More Secure School Bus Yard During and After Hours
As thefts and overnight security threats continue, school transportation leaders are combining stronger operational practices with AI-enabled surveillance to better protect buses, facilities, and staff.
Read More →
FMCSA Names New Chief Safety Officer: What School Bus Operators Should Know
Steve Dowling is set to lead the federal agency's efforts to advance commercial motor vehicle safety and reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries on the nation's roadways.
Read More →

