Ensuring student safety on school buses is a priority for schools, parents, and drivers. Kids rely on buses every day, so safety must be guaranteed. From reckless driving to old buses, many challenges put children at risk.
Achieving better safety isn’t just about regular maintenance. It involves using modern technology, clear safety protocols, and better driver training. In this blog, we’ll explore simple solutions to make school buses safer.
The blog will explore solutions to help parents achieve peace of mind, knowing their kids are protected every time they ride the bus. Let’s get started.
An Overview: State of Student Safety in Buses
Student safety in school buses worldwide is facing serious challenges, and it’s something we can’t afford to overlook. School buses are still statistically safer than individual cars. However, there’s a lot more we can do to ensure that our children are truly protected.
While school buses are often seen as the safest way for kids to travel to and from school, recent events tell us a different story — one filled with accidents, negligence, and gaps in safety protocols.
- Six students were killed after a school bus allegedly driven by a drunk and reckless driver rammed into a tree and overturned in Mahendragarh, Haryana.
- A bus attendant allegedly molested eight students in a school bus of a Thane-based private school during a picnic.
- A high-speed school bus collided with a tree in Wagholi, Pune leading to multiple students getting injured.
- Two students were killed and three others lost limbs when a school bus carrying 40 students in Raichur, Karnataka severely collided with a state road transport corporation bus while changing lanes.
Exploring the Challenges of Modern-day Student Safety in Buses
Modern-day student safety in school buses faces several pressing challenges, and it’s something parents and schools need to stay alert about.
One of the key issues is driver reliability. Not all school bus drivers are thoroughly vetted or properly trained in safe driving techniques and emergency response. This can lead to reckless driving or accidents, putting students at risk.
Then there’s the lack of essential safety features. In many countries, school buses don’t have seatbelts, which are crucial during accidents. Even though seat belt regulations are improving in some regions, there’s still a long way to go before they become standard everywhere.
Vehicle maintenance is another concern — many school buses are old, and if they aren’t inspected regularly, mechanical failures can occur, endangering students.
Bullying and harassment on school buses is also a growing issue.
For instance, in the U.S., a disturbing case in California surfaced where a bus attendant was found guilty of abusing children with special needs, prompting a widespread call for stricter surveillance on buses.
Without cameras or adult supervision, students may feel unsafe, which can affect their emotional well-being. Cameras, while helpful, are not always installed, leaving this problem unaddressed in many areas.
Additionally, overcrowding is a significant issue in many developing regions, making it harder to evacuate students in an emergency.
In places like India and South Africa, it’s not unusual to see school buses packed way beyond their capacity. This overcrowding increases the risk of accidents and compromises students’ ability to evacuate safely in case of an emergency.
If we focus on better technology, training, and safety features, these challenges can be addressed to make school buses a safer environment for students worldwide.
Eliminating Risks in Student Safety with Best Practices
To make sure school buses are as safe as possible for students, there are several key safety features and practices that every school bus fleet should have in place. Let’s break it down —
1. Trained and Vetted Drivers
The first step in ensuring safety starts with the person behind the wheel. School bus drivers should undergo thorough background checks and receive specialised training. They need to know how to handle emergencies, drive defensively, and ensure the well-being of students onboard. Regular refresher courses on road safety rules and safe driving techniques can make a big difference, too.
2. Seatbelts for Every Student
While it seems basic, many school buses around the world still don’t have seatbelts. Installing proper seat belts for every seat is essential for reducing injuries in an accident. Some regions, like the U.S., are making strides in this area, but many more countries need to follow suit.
3. CCTV Cameras
Adding surveillance cameras inside school buses serves two purposes: they act as a deterrent for bad behaviour, and they can help monitor safety. If there’s ever an incident—whether it’s bullying or a traffic accident—CCTV footage can provide crucial information to help resolve the situation quickly and fairly.
4. GPS Tracking and Real-Time Monitoring
Parents and school administrators should have the ability to track a school bus in real-time. GPS tracking systems allow them to know exactly where the bus is at any given moment, giving peace of mind and allowing immediate action in case of a delay or emergency. Some fleets also use geo-fencing, which sends alerts when the bus deviates from its assigned route.
Also read: Top 8 Reasons to Use Route Optimization
5. Emergency Panic Buttons
Every school bus should have an easy-to-access panic button for the driver, which can be pressed in the case of emergencies like accidents, breakdowns, or even suspicious activity. These panic buttons alert the authorities and help ensure quick response times when needed most.
6. Regular Vehicle Inspections
Keeping the school buses in top-notch condition is non-negotiable. Regular maintenance checks for brakes, tires, engines, and other critical components ensure that the buses remain roadworthy and safe. Any fleet running older buses should have strict inspection schedules to avoid mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
7. Child Check Reminder System
This system ensures that no child is ever left behind in the bus after the ride. It reminds the driver to inspect every seat before leaving the bus unattended. Unfortunately, there have been heartbreaking incidents where kids were forgotten on buses, leading to fatal outcomes. A child check system would prevent such tragedies.
8. First Aid Kits and Training
It’s essential that each bus is equipped with a well-stocked first aid kit. But more than that, drivers and attendants should be trained in basic first aid so that they can respond to medical emergencies effectively while waiting for professional help.
9. Clear Safety Rules for Students
Students themselves play a big role in maintaining safety. School buses should have clearly communicated safety rules, like staying seated, wearing seatbelts (if available), and keeping aisles clear.
Having these rules posted and reinforced regularly by the driver helps ensure that kids understand the importance of behaving safely on the bus.
But what do the government bodies have to say about student safety in school buses?
Guidelines Issued by Government for Student Safety in Buses
Here is the key guidelines related to student safety in buses issued by the state governments in India —
- Buses having lengths up to 6.0 m should have one camera and ones with lengths more than 6.0 m should be installed with two cameras, one each at the front and rear of the school bus.
- School buses should have CCTV cameras, DVR & Monitors, and have 3 months of recording/backup at the School Control Room. As a substitute, IP cameras with at least 15 days (about 2 weeks) of recording may be installed.
- The school buses/vehicles shall be fitted with a speed governor or speed limiter conforming to the Standard AIS: 018. The speed governor fitted should be manufactured and installed by a government-approved manufacturer/dealer.
- Any new vehicle to be used for carrying school-going children should be registered by the concerned registering authority only after ensuring that a GPS tracking device, CCTV camera system, and speed governor device has been fitted in the vehicle.
- The school buses should be properly maintained, roadworthy, possess the certificate of fitness and insurance certificate, and not emanate smoke beyond permissible limits.
- The school buses should be manned by trained, experienced, and well-versed drivers with at least 5 years of driving experience and provided with an attendant or a conductor.
- The school buses or vehicles carrying school children shall hold a proper permit/permission.
- The school buses/vehicles shall not be permitted to exceed the speed of a maximum of 50 km/h in any part of the city.
- The drivers and conductors of the school buses/vehicles shall be subject to a refresher course at least once in three years to be arranged by the Transport Department. It shall be the obligation of the registered owner of the bus and school to ensure that the drivers and conductors undergo the required refresher courses within the stipulated period.
- No school bus shall carry children over 1.5 times its registered seating capacity.
Technology Overcoming Student Safety Issues in School Buses
As per the government guidelines, there are several technologies that can significantly improve student safety in school bus fleet management — making sure kids are not only transported efficiently but also kept safe. Let’s look at some of the top technologies that can help overcome safety concerns —
1. GPS Tracking and Real-Time Monitoring
One of the most effective ways to improve school bus safety is through GPS tracking systems. With real-time monitoring, schools and parents can track the exact location of the bus at any given time. This helps ensure buses follow the correct route and helps parents plan for pick-ups and drop-offs more accurately. Plus, if there’s an emergency or unexpected delay, authorities can respond quickly.
2. Video Telematics and CCTV Cameras
Installing video telematics solutions and CCTV cameras inside and outside the bus is becoming increasingly common. Cameras act as both a deterrent to bad behaviour and a way to ensure driver accountability. In case of incidents like bullying, reckless driving, or accidents, video footage provides critical evidence that can be used to quickly resolve issues and improve safety protocols. Some systems even offer real-time video feeds to school administrators.
3. Child Safety Check Systems
To prevent the tragic situation of children being left behind on a bus, child check reminder systems are essential. These systems require the driver to walk to the back of the bus and deactivate an alarm, ensuring they physically check every seat before exiting. This simple but effective technology eliminates the risk of accidentally leaving a child on the bus.
4. Panic Buttons
Every school bus should be equipped with panic buttons. In case of an emergency—whether it’s a medical issue, a traffic accident, or any suspicious activity—the driver can press the button, immediately alerting local authorities or school administrators. This quick-response system can make all the difference when time is critical.
5. Geo-fencing
Geo-fencing technology sets virtual boundaries for the school bus route. If the bus deviates from its predefined path, the system automatically alerts administrators or parents. This ensures buses stay on the safest and most efficient routes, and any unscheduled stops or route changes are immediately flagged.
6. AI-Powered Driver Monitoring
Using AI-powered driver monitoring systems, fleet operators can track driver behaviour in real time. This technology detects signs of fatigue, distraction, or aggressive driving—like speeding or harsh braking. If the system senses unsafe driving behaviours, it sends real-time alerts to fleet managers, allowing for corrective action before an accident occurs.
Article you might be interested in How driver monitoring systems work?
7. Biometric Authentication
Some school bus fleets are now using biometric authentication to ensure only authorised drivers and staff can access the bus. This technology verifies the driver’s identity before the bus can be started, ensuring that the person behind the wheel is qualified and authorised. It adds an extra layer of security, particularly in preventing unauthorised individuals from operating school buses.
8. RFID Tags for Student Tracking
Another technology making waves in school bus safety is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. By giving each student an RFID-enabled ID card, schools can track when students board and leave the bus. Parents and schools receive real-time notifications about their child’s pick-up and drop-off, adding peace of mind and reducing the chance of students getting lost or off at the wrong stop.
9. Automated Stop-Arm Cameras
Stop-arm cameras are mounted on the side of school buses to catch drivers who illegally pass when the bus is picking up or dropping off students. These automated cameras capture the licence plate numbers of violators, helping authorities crack down on dangerous driving that can put kids at risk.
10. Telematics for Maintenance and Safety Checks
A comprehensive telematics system tracks routes and the bus’s condition. These systems can alert fleet managers when a vehicle needs maintenance or repairs, reducing the chances of mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. Having buses in top condition is key to keeping students safe on the road.
Student Safety in School Bus: Critical Need of the Hour
Achieving student safety on school buses requires a collective effort. When we combine advanced technology, well-trained drivers, and strict safety protocols, we can significantly reduce student-safety-related risks.
At the same time, schools, bus operators, and parents must work together to implement these changes, ensuring that every ride is as safe as possible. The safety of our children should never be compromised.
With the right measures in place, we can create a secure environment on school buses. Ultimately, protecting students today means securing their future, and it starts with making their daily journey to school safe and worry-free.
