What You Should Know About School Bus Safety

The “Danger Zone”

The Danger Zone is the twelve-foot area surrounding a school bus. This zone is especially dangerous because students may be in spots where the bus driver cannot see them.

To stay safe:

• Always use caution when in the Danger Zone.

• After stepping off the bus, walk twelve large steps away from it.

• If you need to cross the street in front of the bus (K–8 students), wait for the driver’s signal and let them escort you across.

California’s Best-Kept Secret: The Yellow School Bus

The yellow school bus is the safest, most economical, and most student-friendly way to get to and from school.

According to the National Safety Council (1996), yellow school buses are:

• 172 times safer than a family automobile

• 8 times safer than passenger trains

• 8 times safer than scheduled airlines

• 4 times safer than transit buses

• 4 times safer than intercity buses

Why School Buses Are So Safe

• Built with safety features not found on other vehicles

• Inspected daily by the driver

• Annually inspected by the California Highway Patrol

• District mechanics perform a full inspection every 45 days or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first

Highly Trained and Qualified Drivers

California school bus drivers are the most highly trained drivers on the road. Before being licensed, they must:

• Pass a Department of Justice and FBI background check

• Hold a current DOT Medical Certificate (DL-51)

• Pass the CHP First Aid Test or have a valid First Aid Card

• Pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test and participate in random testing

They must also:

• Maintain a clean driving record at all times

• Attend regular safety meetings and ongoing training to keep skills sharp

Authority of the Driver – 5 C.C.R. 14103(a)

Students riding a school bus are under the authority of the driver and must follow their instructions. The driver is responsible for safe and orderly conduct. Persistent misbehavior or refusal to follow directions may result in loss of riding privileges. A driver may never remove a student from the bus while en route between home, school, or other destinations. The school board has established rules and administrative procedures for suspending bus privileges, which are available to parents, students, and staff.