School Bus Accident Injures Three

School Bus Accident

A school bus in Southport, FL was preparing to stop to drop off a student when it was hit in the right rear by a box truck.  Two 11-year old children and the driver of the truck were transported to the hospital.  A Florida Highway patrol spokesman said none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Analysis
I serve as the Director of Transportation for a Central Indiana school district.  This is my nightmare.  My drivers constantly remind their children to sit in their seats properly.  School buses are designed to provide students with a "safe box" while sitting in the seats, facing forward.  Anytime a child gets up in the seat, turns around, or crawls around on the bus, they get outside of the safe box and place themselves at risk.

I have had conversations with parents about their child sitting properly, and their question was, "What's the big deal?"  Stories like this answer that question.  Students are not on the bus to socialize, play, or mess around.  They are on the bus to ride home.  They can play when they get home.  All these things also increase noise, which can distract the driver.

Parents, please talk with your child about the proper way to sit on the bus.  It does make a difference.  It can help them Stay Alive.