FACTS

1. Front Blind Spots: The area extending approximately 10 feet in front of the bus is often invisible to the driver, posing a risk to children crossing in front.
2. Side Blind Spots: Areas along the sides of the bus, particularly near the rear wheels, can conceal pedestrians or obstacles from the driver’s view.
3. Rear Blind Spots: The space directly behind the bus is typically not visible to the driver, increasing the risk during reversing maneuvers.
4. Mirror Obstructions: Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors can create additional blind spots, obstructing the driver’s field of vision.
5. Inadequate Mirror Coverage: Failure to use the appropriate combination of flat, convex, and crossover mirrors can leave critical areas around the bus unmonitored.
6. Driver Fatigue or Distraction: Even with properly adjusted mirrors, inattentive driving can lead to missed hazards within blind spots.
7. Environmental Factors: Glare, rain, or dirt on mirrors can reduce visibility, exacerbating blind spot issues.

STATS

• One-third of students who died in school transportation-related crashes were killed while approaching or leaving the bus, often within the driver’s blind spots.
• A study revealed that nine out of ten school districts in the U.S. and Canada are not currently using 360-degree camera systems to detect children at school bus stops, leaving reliance on mirrors and driver vigilance.
• Between 2010 and 2021, bus drivers and passengers were most likely to be injured while on the bus, with approximately 24.7 injuries per year reported. About 38% of these injuries were due to non-collision events like harsh braking.
• In 2021, school bus-related crashes in the U.S. resulted in 108 fatalities, including occupants of other vehicles, bus passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.
• A new poll by the AA has found that 44 per cent of drivers believe their car has a dangerous blind spot.
• Road safety statistics suggest this is becoming an increasing issue, with almost 1,000 crashes in 2022 linked to motorists blaming the blind spot in their vehicles.