The familiar yellow school bus is the largest system of mass transportation in the US and every school day transports roughly 25 million young people to school and home again after the school day ends. Meanwhile, they are the safest method for getting kids to and from school, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Children are 70 times more likely to arrive at school safely on the school bus than if they had traveled to school driving themselves or riding with friends.
These school buses meet more of the nation's motor vehicle safety standards than any other vehicle on the road. Also, several new technologies available today are making school buses even safer, such as video cameras on the inside and outside, stop arm cameras, GPS tracking and collision lessening systems. Another safety tool on school buses is high seat backs, closely-spaced seats and energy-absorbing seating.
But even the safeness of school buses would not completely sum up why children are safer when riding the big, yellow bus. The bus is only as safe as the professional men and women who drive them. All drivers must obtain a Class B or C Commercial Driver's License (CDL). They are randomly tested for alcohol and drugs, usually have their driving record checked, and are given the same review for criminal history as teachers and other employees who have contact with students. In order to serve as a school bus driver, most applicants are required to successfully complete a training course, along with instruction in the classroom and behind the wheel.
School buses are safe for the environment, not only because each bus replaces 36 passenger cars that would, but for the buses, be on the road taking and picking up school children. Additionally, school buses use alternative green fuels like natural gas, and electric power.
Todd Monteferrario, President of the National School Transportation Association, said parents should remember that the safest and smartest choice is to put their children on the big yellow bus when they can.
