FACTS
- Unruly behaviour can divert the driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Students moving around or engaging in physical altercations can lead to injuries.
- Disorderly conduct may obstruct emergency exits, hindering prompt evacuations.
- Managing misbehaviour can elevate driver stress, potentially impairing their driving performance.
- Vandalism or roughhousing can result in damage to the bus, leading to costly repairs.
- Lack of supervision can foster an environment where bullying occurs, affecting student well-being.
- Incidents arising from poor behavior management can lead to legal challenges and liability concerns for school districts.
STATS
- Between 2013 and 2022, there were 976 fatal school bus accidents in the U.S., resulting in 1,082 deaths and 132,000 injuries. Approximately 108 people are killed and 13,200 injured annually.
- Approximately 53% of students travel by school bus, emphasizing the need for effective behaviour management to ensure safety.
- Reported incidents of student misconduct in classrooms increased by 56% during the 2021-2022 school year, indicating a potential rise in misbehaviour on school buses as well.
- In the U.S.A., bullying is reported as a common occurrence on school buses by 25% of public school transportation officials, highlighting the need for proactive management strategies.
- In Canada, students traveling to school by bus are 80 times safer than those traveling by car, underscoring the importance of maintaining this safety through proper rider management.
- School buses are considered very safe in Canada, with fatalities accounting for less than 0.1% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities.