The Democrat and Chronicle has reviewed three years’ worth of data from the New York Department of Education on school bus crashes and injury accidents, finding that the greatest danger to students comes from other motorists on the roadways.

Of the 2,783 crashes reported statewide, 1,540 or about 55%, were considered “preventable.” Of those, the bus drivers were considered to have “poor judgment” or be “distracted” in 119 crashes. Other findings from the analysis cover school buses being rear-ended by other motorists. In 51 of the local crashes, or 30%, buses were rear-ended, most often by a motorist who failed to notice the school bus stopped in the roadway for students to disembark, or at the railroad crossing in front of them.

The article also provides insight on the safety of school buses and the safety record of the industry from numerous pupil transportation officials and organizations.

To read the full story, click here.