FACTS

1. Unruly behaviour can divert the driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
2. Students moving around or engaging in physical altercations can lead to injuries.
3. Disorderly conduct may obstruct emergency exits, hindering prompt evacuations.
4. Managing misbehaviour can elevate driver stress, potentially impairing their driving performance.
5. Vandalism or roughhousing can result in damage to the bus, leading to costly repairs.
6. Lack of supervision can foster an environment where bullying occurs, affecting student well-being.
7. 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.