Safety Upgrades to be Decided by Individual School Districts
The Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, formed in response to a tragic school bus crash, has put forth multiple recommendations aimed at enhancing safety for bus drivers. The responsibility of implementing these safety upgrades will be left to individual school districts, allowing them to tailor the measures to their specific needs.
School Buses Remain Safest Mode of Transportation
Governor Mike DeWine, emphasizing the importance of school buses as the safest means of transportation for children, established the working group after a devastating school bus crash in Clark County’s Lawrenceville. The incident claimed the life of one child and left 23 others injured. Governor DeWine stated, “We know that buses are the safest way to transport children to school; that remains true. But when we have a tragedy like this, I think it’s important for us to reexamine what we can do to make the trips that our kids are taking, and grandkids are taking, as safe as we can.”
Recommendations Focus on Driver Recruitment, Training, and Safety Features
The working group has issued a total of 17 recommendations, with 16 addressing key areas such as bus driver recruitment and retention, training and education, school bus safety features, road and traffic safety, and emergency response. However, it stopped short of mandating seat belts on all school buses, leaving the decision to individual school districts. The group believes that a statewide mandate for seat belts may not be the most effective use of government resources to ensure children’s safety, considering the costs involved.
Safety Features Cost Comparison
According to Ohio Public Safety Director Andy Wilson, equipping a bus with seat belts costs approximately $19,000 per bus. In contrast, implementing the other recommended safety features, including collision avoidance systems, electronic stability control, lighted crossover mirrors, and fully illuminated stop arms, would amount to approximately $13,000 per bus.
Addressing Commercial Bus Services
In addition to addressing school bus safety, the working group also focused on the safety of commercial bus services. Following another bus crash involving high school students, the group recommended that school districts adopt policies mandating a thorough evaluation of contracted commercial bus services.
Improved Training and Support for Bus Drivers
To enhance the training and support provided to public school bus drivers, the working group recommended the development of a uniform training curriculum by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. It also proposed the implementation of a regional advanced training program and a requirement of six hours of annual training for drivers. Governor DeWine plans to establish a grant program that would allow the state to offer this training to school districts at no cost.
Additional Recommendations
Other recommendations put forth by the working group include improved access to professional development, wellness support, and regular performance reviews for bus drivers. The group also suggested expanded engagement with parents and the public, school zone and bus route safety audits, and enhanced penalties for drivers who violate traffic laws in school zones or around school buses.
Examining Fault in School Bus Crashes
According to state data, between 2018 and 2023, the other driver was at fault in 68% of school bus crashes involving minor injuries, 80% of crashes involving serious injuries, and 75% of crashes resulting in fatalities. These statistics highlight the need for comprehensive safety measures and improved driver awareness.
Replacing Buses and Financial Considerations
Governor DeWine mentioned that approximately 13,000 school buses are currently in operation, but school districts typically replace them gradually, at a pace of one or two buses per year. The cost of a new bus is around $120,000, according to Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin.
By implementing the recommendations of the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, the state hopes to ensure the well-being of students during their daily commute and prevent future tragedies on the road.
