FACTS

1. Reduced Alertness: Fatigued drivers experience diminished attention and slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
2. Impaired Decision-Making: Lack of adequate rest can compromise a driver’s judgment, leading to errors in critical situations.
3. Health Issues: Chronic fatigue is linked to long-term health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders.
4. Decreased Performance: Extended working hours without sufficient breaks can result in decreased driving performance and vigilance.
5. Increased Accident Risk: Fatigue-related impairments can lead to collisions, endangering the safety of students and other road users.

STATS

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school bus drivers spend approximately 85.5% of their workday sitting, which, combined with long hours, can contribute to fatigue.
• In 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 204 buses were involved in fatal crashes, with a significant portion being school buses. Fatigue is often cited as a contributing factor in these incidents.
• A study indicated that about 19% of bus drivers reported needing to fight sleepiness while driving at least 2-3 times a week, with nearly half experiencing this at least 2-4 times a month.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes annually are attributed to driver fatigue, resulting in about 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries each year. This statistic underscores the critical nature of addressing fatigue among drivers, including school bus operators.
• School buses are recognized as the safest mode of transportation for children in Canada. According to Transport Canada’s National Collision Database, children traveling to school by bus are 72 times safer than those traveling by car and 45 times safer than those walking or cycling.