As parents, ensuring the safety of our children is always at the forefront of our minds, especially when they’re traveling to and from school. At this point, we know there are significant benefits of updating school buses with stop arms—specifically, the safety enhancements they offer. We’ve seen the results and heard directly from superintendents across the country that stop-arms reduce vehicle drive arounds.
One of the most compelling reasons to advocate for these updates is the alarming statistics surrounding school bus-related accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 23 million students ride school buses every day in the U.S., but more than 100 fatalities occur annually in school bus-related crashes. A large portion of these accidents happen when children are getting on or off the bus.
Last month we talked about how school buses have largely remained unchanged for decades and we continue to advocate for enhancements that will increase safety at bus stops. Studies show that the visibility of stop-arm extensions, which extend outwards when a bus is stopped, can decrease the likelihood of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses.
Beyond just the immediate safety benefits, equipping buses with advanced stop arms can foster greater awareness among drivers. A 2020 survey conducted by the National School Bus Safety Coalition revealed that 95% of respondents believe that more visible stop signals would lead to increased driver compliance.
Updating school buses with stop arms is not just a smart investment; it's a necessary step towards ensuring our children’s safety as they navigate their daily commutes. At BusGates, we’re concerned parents urge school districts and policymakers to prioritize these enhancements for the well-being of our children.