INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
NEW YORK, September 7, 2010
— As over 23 million students nationwide rely on school buses for transportation, it is important for parents to teach their children how to ride the bus safely, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), notes that over 149 school-age pedestrians (younger than 19) have died in school transportation related crashes since 1998. Over two-thirds (69 percent) were killed by school buses, 7 percent by vehicles functioning as school buses, and 24 percent by other vehicles involved in the crashes.
NHTSA also points out that an additional 1,564 people have died in school transportation related crashes, an average of 142 fatalities per year. Most of these fatalities (72 percent) were occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident. Pedestrians, bicyclists, etc., accounted for 20 percent of the deaths, and occupants of school transportation vehicles accounted for 8 percent.
“Parents should talk to their children about how to get on and off the bus safely, as well as how they should behave when they are on a school bus,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president for Public Affairs and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.
Following are some important school bus safety tips:
At the School Bus Stop
- Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
- Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it is okay before stepping onto the bus. If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross.
- Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
- Use the handrails to avoid falls.
- When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps do not get caught in the handrails or doors.
- Never walk behind the bus.
- Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
On the School Bus
A school bus driver’s number one interest is safety. Drivers rely on students to be on their best behavior, so they can focus on driving carefully and safely. Here are some ways students can help:
Listen to the school bus driver in case there are any special instructions for the bus ride.
- Sit quietly in your seat.
- Speak quietly to the other children near you.
- Do not jump up and down, fight or tease other students or make a lot of noise. These activities can distract the bus driver and prevent him or her from giving proper attention to driving.
THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038, (212) 346-5500