Traumatic as some parents find it to see their kids off to school, school buses are an exceptionally safe way to travel. According to the National Safety Council, school buses are the safest form of ground transportation in the United States. In fact, children who do not use the school bus are eight times more likely to be injured on the way to or from school.

School bus-related crashes killed 134 people in 2005, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Of those fatalities, only about 5 percent were passengers and 4 percent bus drivers. The remaining deaths included pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles.

The safety of school buses is built into their design, a shape that’s remained essentially unchanged for more than 60 years and enhanced by advancements in safety technology. School buses are known for a safety feature called “compartmentalization:” the protective envelope created by strong, closely spaced seats with energy-absorbing high backs. Unlike cars, in which passengers feel the brunt of a crash force, in compartmentalization the crash forces are absorbed by a vehicle structure that is designed to protect the occupant.

Research and testing have not clearly demonstrated that seat belts on school buses provide a safety advantage over the passive protection provided by compartmentalization and strict federal safety standards. In fact, if not fitted and worn properly, seat belts can result in injuries to children.

The Council recommends more research regarding passenger safety in school buses, especially as it relates to seat belts. But foremost, we suggest greater attention to the processes by which kids board and exit the bus. This is where they face the greatest risk of injury.

School buses and police cars are the only vehicles authorized to stop traffic with their warning lights and stop arms. Nonetheless, the points at which kids board and exit the bus are the riskiest times of their commute. The National Safety Council urges parents to teach their children these guidelines, as well as how to safety cross any street.

Click here for tips from the National Safety Council on

• Boarding the School Bus

• Exiting the School Bus

• Crossing to Safety