FACTS
- Distracted Driving: Drivers juggling multiple responsibilities, such as monitoring student behaviour and navigating traffic, are at higher risk of accidents.
- Fatigue: Long hours and early schedules can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Lack of regular checks for brakes, tires, or other systems can result in mechanical failures.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Snow, rain, and ice in both countries pose additional challenges, requiring heightened caution.
- Inadequate Training: Drivers without comprehensive training in safety protocols may struggle with emergency situations.
STATS
- Between 2013 and 2022, there were 976 fatal school bus accidents, resulting in 1,082 deaths and approximately 132,000 injuries, underscoring the critical role of driver vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
- In Canada school buses are the safest way to transport children to and from school, with students being about 80 times more likely to get to school safely on a school bus than by car, highlighting the importance of driver responsibilities in maintaining this safety record.
- A Transport Canada study found that rigorous driver training programs reduced school bus accidents by 25%, reinforcing the importance of proper preparation.
- In the USA, 79% of school transportation injuries occur in urban areas, where traffic congestion and distractions are more common.
- There are approximately 20,000 school buses and school purpose vehicles in Ontario alone, transporting over 833,000 students daily, which illustrates the scale and importance of driver responsibilities in ensuring student safety.
- In the USA, driver error is the leading cause of school bus crashes, accounting for 63% of incidents, often due to distractions or improper techniques.