BIG YES BOMB!!!!!

dadjokes502 · 2025-03-23T02:55:59+00:00

Bus our safe and drivers are too. If you have a good driver you’ll be fine.

swedusa · 2025-03-23T04:56:16+00:00

The specs in Alabama from 2017 onwards require the door switch to be to the right of the driver. Our buses from right before then have it on the panel to the driver’s left. So you theoretically have to at least look in the direction of the door while you close it if it’s on your right. They’re trying to outsmart every mistake a driver could make, but the only thing that truly prevents those kind of disasters is good procedures.

Artistic-Passenger-9 · 2025-03-23T13:41:48+00:00

The bus is only as safe as the person operating it. I don’t sign off on a driver until I’m 100% sure they know how serious of a job they’re about to get into is and that they are fully capable of handling just about anything that could happen on the road.

LegitimateHayfever · 2025-03-23T06:01:13+00:00

More emergency exits, windows only go down half way, Leave No Student behind button, forward and rear facing cameras at bumper level, interior cameras.

Jayken · 2025-03-23T08:24:39+00:00

Seats are higher and have more padding. Driving our '08 bluebirds vs our '23s is a stark difference. On '08s I can see the faces of all but the shortest kids. On the '23s I only ever see my high schoolers' faces when the board and exit.

They sit higher, especially those that have the air bag suspension. Meaning the force any impacts is going to be felt less.

A lot of buses have an interlock system. Meaning if the door is open, the brake is set. Less likely to have a rolling accident.

Camera systems are getting better. Back up cameras for better visibility. Dash cams and better quality interior cams. Our '23s have 4 cameras that are able see down into every seat.

That's just the stuff off the top of my head

Beauknits · 2025-03-23T03:48:00+00:00

Well, to start LED vs bulb 8 way system, so brighter lighting on the overhead and stop arm(s).

Secondly, some states require seatbelts be worn regardless of Bus weight/length. Also some states, such as Texas, starting 2026 year buses will have the stop arm on a 6(?) foot pole that sits at windshield height for most vehicles into the opposing lane.

Higher fines for violating the stop arm, and cameras that capture violator's plates for automatic ticket (yes, I know there's a few bugs in this system).

Requiring safer drivers helps too.

2025-03-23T04:47:00+00:00

I am fairly new to the industry. I've only been driving for 2 years, but I work with people that have been doing it for 20-30 years. That's an interesting question and I think I am going to take the time to ask the old veterans if they think that the industry is safer; safer for children, safer for the drivers.

handcraftedcandy · 2025-03-23T11:17:23+00:00

There are many reasons why it's safer now. One major thing is LED lights are more attention grabbing than the old style lights. It's now a requirement for children to be seated where back when I was going we were allowed to stand. The seats are compartmentalized and so long as they're seated properly, even without a seat belt, they're very safe.

In more recent years there has been a push for better driver training that focuses not only on safe loading and unloading procedures, but also student behavior management, and of course defensive driving.

I train drivers both in the classroom and out in the real world and the number one cause of death for students is by their own bus, so loading and unloading safely is really emphasized. Drivers need to count away the kids and if they lose track of one they're suppose to park the bus and get up and outside of the bus to make sure it's clear before proceeding.

Many-Establishment90 · 2025-03-23T15:17:00+00:00

Seats are higher (3 inches) preventing kids from banging their heads into other kids heads, thus preventing concussions and broken body parts

PastorofMuppets79 · 2025-03-23T16:11:54+00:00

Fuel tanks are much safer.

PastorofMuppets79 · 2025-03-23T16:12:58+00:00

It's much much much safer statistically than being a car rider to school

Bored_Owl_1492 · 2025-03-23T19:09:04+00:00

As I read your question it seems to relate to being dragged by the bus. Unfortunately a passenger is more likely to be killed or injured outside the bus either while attempting to board or after exiting. While there has been some changes through the years this mostly goes back to the driver.

The interior changes to the bus are mostly centered around changes to the Hand Rails. The older ones had pieces added to help reduce the likely hood clothing and backpacks would get trapped. We would tie a bolt to a string and drag it around hand rails to ensure they get stuck.

Manufacturers have also tried to improve visibility for the driver and reduce blind spots.

But even with all this the driver still needs to make sure it’s safe before moving the bus.

I know Thomas was working on a pedestrian sensor to warn the driver if someone was in the danger zone, but don’t know if it’s ready yet.

LengthyCitadis · 2025-03-24T10:51:31+00:00

In my opinion? Not at all.... But the question implies a danger. At least where I work the standards have barely changed.

As for a child being keelhauled by the doors, that's an issue of driver incompetence, not the bus itself.

Jamjams2016 · 2025-03-24T17:09:26+00:00

I took a good look in my mirrors today, and I believe you'd be able to see a student sized object being dragged from the convex mirror and maybe the crossover mirror as well. The bus driver was not paying attention. I don't think you can fix that unless the door has a safety like an elevator door. But that could put students at risk with threatening people if they stick a hand in an gain access.

So, have a diligent driver.

BIG YES BOMB!!!!!

Sunday, March 23, 2025

How are schoolbuses safer today for Gen Alpha students than they were for us Millennials when we were students?

How are schoolbuses safer today for Gen Alpha students than they were for us Millennials when we were students?