NHTSA updates school transportation fatality data
The federal agency’s latest report shows that, on average, about 33 school-age children die in school transportation-related crashes each year.

From 2004 to 2013, 327 school-age children were killed in school transportation-related crashes, federal data show.
On average, about 33 school-age children die in school transportation-related crashes each year, according to recently released federal data.
About 17% of the children killed in these crashes are occupants of school transportation vehicles. Nearly half (45%) of the fatalities are occupants of other vehicles.
The findings are drawn from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s new edition of School Transportation-Related Crashes, which was published last month.
NHTSA defines a school transportation-related crash as one that involves, either directly or indirectly, a school bus body vehicle or a non-school bus functioning as a school bus, transporting children to or from school or school-related activities.
The new report shows that from 2004 to 2013, 327 school-age children were killed in school transportation-related crashes. Of those, 54 were occupants of school transportation vehicles, 147 were occupants of other vehicles, 116 were pedestrians, nine were pedal-cyclists and one was classified as an “other nonoccupant.”
The report also puts the school transportation-related crash data in the context of overall vehicle crashes: From 2004 to 2013, there were 340,039 fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes. Of those, 1,214 (0.36%) were classified as school transportation-related.
To view the full report from NHTSA, go here.
More Safety

HopSkipDrive Reports Progress on Safety Advisory Council
More than a year after forming the council, independent safety experts have helped shape new rider-safety features and policy progress, with a new goal to address rider behavior.
Read More →
What the 2026 National School Bus Safety Month Resolution Means for Student Transportation
The bipartisan resolution highlights illegal school bus passing, student safety during loading and unloading, and the need for driver training and public education.
Read More →
School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Decline 53% Across Verra Mobility Programs
Verra Mobility shares how school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone safety programs are changing driver behavior, reducing violations, and protecting students.
Read More →
Most Bus Crashes Aren’t Your Fault. Here’s How to Prove It.
A guide for what to do in between a school bus crash and a claim: what to preserve, who to notify, and how to keep the facts available when they matter.
Read More →
National School Bus Safety Week 2026: Tips, Toolkits & Resources to Keep Students Safe
School bus safety takes more than awareness. Explore expert tips, enforcement strategies, and free resources to help protect students on every ride.
Read More →
2 Killed, Dozens Injured in Florida School Bus Crash
A multi-vehicle collision caused a Polk County school bus carrying 37 students to overturn on its way to Winter Haven High School.
Read More →
Illegal School Bus Passing Drops 24% in New York Districts
With fewer than 5% of citations involving repeat offenders, Westchester County officials said enforcement, education, and community partnerships are helping change driver behavior.
Read More →
School's Back. Here's What Happened to Traffic, Speeding & Distraction
What happens to traffic when school resumes? New data analysis examines changes in distracted driving, congestion, and speeding around schools.
Read More →
Geotab Expands Fleet Safety Tools With Video Coaching, Risk Insights
New safety and video capabilities aim to help fleet managers assess risk, support drivers, and take targeted action through video coaching, red-light violation detection, and more.
Read More →
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 →
