The Official Publication of the National Association for Pupil Transportation, School Bus Ride, featured BusGates recently in the following article:
The trip to and from school is a part of daily life for millions of children across the United States. It is also the most dangerous part of a student’s school day according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Despite the vital role school buses play in safely transporting students, safety features have remained unchanged for decades.
While the introduction of the iconic “Stop arm” on school buses in 1939 was a major step forward, and flashing lights were added years later, its effectiveness has been diluted by increased driver distraction resulting in the growing problem of drivers passing school buses illegally.
Thankfully, new stop arm extension technology to enhance those external safety systems is being deployed by districts across the country.
The numbers surrounding illegal school bus passes are alarming. According to the 2023 Stop Arm Survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), more than 62,000 vehicles illegally passed school buses IN A SINGLE DAY during the 2022-2023 school year. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the lives of children who are at risk every time a driver ignores the current warnings.
Addressing the Problem: A Parent-Led Initiative
The frustration and anxiety of watching near misses and tragedies was enough for one group of parents to create a solution to the growing problem of distracted and irresponsible driving around buses. In 2023, BusGates designed and created stop arm extensions, that not only significantly enhance school bus visibility, but also act as a physical barrier that extends out five feet from the side of the school bus creating a far more effective deterrent to illegal passes.
These simple yet innovative extensions make it harder for drivers to miss the stop sign, helping ensure that they stop as required by law. It is an impactful addition to a bus’s safety features, increasing its visibility resulting in a massive reduction of dangerous drive-arounds when used.
The Statistics Don’t Lie: Action is Needed
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a staggering 13 million illegal passes occur annually in the United States alone. This alarming figure highlights a significant safety gap in the protection of children during one of the most vulnerable parts of their daily routine – their commute to and from school.
In every state across the nation, it is illegal for a vehicle to pass a school bus when the stop-arm is extended, and red lights are flashing. Yet, these laws are routinely ignored, and this issue requires urgent attention and fresh solutions.
Advocating for Change: A Call to Action
The legacy of the stop sign shows that even the simplest of changes can make a significant impact. If decision makers can work together to implement solutions like the Stop Arm Extensions, a real difference can be made in protecting all students.
It is not just up to bus manufacturers or lawmakers to make these changes; it is up to everyone. Parents, school officials, and communities need to support initiatives that will enhance school bus safety and ensure that every child has a safe and secure journey to and from school. With the right tools, innovation, and collective effort, roads can be safer for all children.
Today, BusGates continues to advocate for improvements in school bus safety and invites communities to join the movement towards a safer future for students everywhere.