School Bus Accident Safety in Toronto

School buses are among the safest modes of transportation for children, but accidents can still happen. While school bus accidents are relatively rare, they often involve multiple parties and can lead to severe injuries due to the large number of passengers. This makes school bus safety a critical issue for parents, school officials, bus drivers, and lawmakers.

In this blog, Darcy Romaine, Partner at Boland Romaine, explores the key safety measures that can help prevent school bus accidents, steps to take if an accident occurs, and what parents and schools can do to ensure that students remain safe while riding the bus.

School Bus Safety Measures

School buses are designed with several safety features to protect children in the event of an accident. However, additional precautions can further reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that children arrive safely at their destination.

School Bus Design and Regulations

School buses in North America are constructed with safety in mind. They are equipped with features like:

• High-visibility yellow color: This makes buses easy to see for other drivers on the road.
• Flashing lights and stop signs: These are designed to alert other drivers when the bus is picking up or dropping off students.
• Cross-view mirrors and rear cameras: These allow bus drivers to monitor all areas around the bus and ensure children are clear of the vehicle before moving.
• High seat backs and compartmentalization: School bus seats are closely spaced with padded backs to help protect children in the event of a crash. This feature acts as a form of passive restraint without the need for seat belts in many regions.

While the design of buses plays a critical role in preventing serious injuries, regulations for drivers are equally important. School bus drivers must undergo extensive training and follow specific guidelines for safe driving and child supervision.

Road Safety for Other Drivers

One of the biggest threats to school bus safety comes from other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, many accidents occur when drivers fail to stop for a bus that is loading or unloading students. To combat this, most regions enforce strict traffic laws around school buses. Some of these laws include:

• Stopping for flashing lights: Drivers must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing, indicating that children are either boarding or exiting.
• Speed limits in school zones: These reduced speed zones are intended to create a safer environment for children walking to or from school

Public awareness campaigns often emphasize the need for all drivers to be mindful of school buses and the potential hazards surrounding bus stops and school zones.

Seat Belts on School Buses

While not all school buses are equipped with seat belts, there is growing debate over whether they should be mandatory. Seat belts are common in cars, but buses use a passive protection system called “compartmentalization,” which relies on the padded, high-backed seats to absorb impact and protect children during a crash.

However, some experts argue that seat belts could provide an additional layer of safety, especially during rollover accidents. As a result, several regions are piloting the use of seat belts in school buses, and more research is being conducted to determine the effectiveness of this safety measure.

What to Do After a School Bus Accident

Despite all safety measures, school bus accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do in the event of a school bus accident is crucial for minimizing injuries and protecting the legal rights of everyone involved.

Assess the Situation

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, the priority is always the safety of the students and other passengers. School bus drivers are trained to remain calm, assess the situation, and evacuate the bus if necessary. Emergency services should be contacted immediately to provide medical attention to anyone injured in the crash.

Medical Evaluation

Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, all students involved in a school bus accident should undergo a medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time if left untreated.

Document the Accident

Parents, school administrators, and legal representatives should gather as much information as possible after the accident. This includes:

• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
• Contact information for witnesses
• Police reports and official accident documentation
• Insurance information from any involved drivers

Understand Your Legal Rights

If your child is injured in a school bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. It’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with school bus accident cases. They can help determine liability, whether it falls on the school district, the bus manufacturer, the driver, or another party.

How Parents Can Improve School Bus Safety

While school bus safety largely depends on bus design and driver regulations, parents can play an active role in ensuring their child’s safety. Here are a few tips for parents to discuss with their children:

• Waiting at the Bus Stop: Teach your child to stay at least 10 feet away from the curb while waiting for the bus. Children should never run to or from the bus.
• Crossing the Street: Ensure your child knows to wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the street and to always cross in front of the bus, never behind it.
• Staying Seated: Once on the bus, children should remain seated and avoid distracting the driver. Parents should reinforce the importance of keeping aisles clear and not standing while the bus is moving.

The Role of Schools and Bus Drivers in Promoting Safety

Schools, bus companies, and bus drivers play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards. Schools can support safety by:

• Providing safety education: Schools should teach children about proper bus behavior and emergency evacuation procedures.
• Monitoring bus stops: Assigning staff to supervise busy or potentially hazardous bus stops can help prevent accidents.
• Maintaining buses: Regular maintenance and safety checks are essential to ensure the mechanical integrity of the buses.

Bus drivers also bear significant responsibility for keeping children safe. This includes following all traffic laws, ensuring that children are safely seated before the bus moves, and being vigilant when picking up and dropping off passengers.