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Research report 408 School bus safety

Published: | Category: Safety, security and public health , Research programme , Research & reports | Audience: General

In the 21 years from 1987 to 2007 inclusive, 22 children were killed, 45 seriously injured and 91 received minor injuries when crossing the road to or from a school bus. In addition, six children were killed while passengers on a school bus. As a result, there is widespread concern about school bus safety.

This research project aimed to identify and advance those measures seen as having the most promise in terms of improving school bus safety in New Zealand.

The scope of the research included both safety on school buses and safety when crossing the road to or from a school bus.

The research team and project steering group (the Bus Safety Technical Advisory Committee (BUSSTAC) led by the Ministry of Education, identified and evaluated a wide range of safety improvement options.

Detailed recommendations for improving school bus safety, including road engineering improvements around bus stops, bus signage, enforcement and educational/information campaigns were developed.

Keywords: bus stops, children, road safety, school bus, speed signsKeywords: bus stops, children, road safety, school bus, speed signs

Publication details

  • Author:
  • Published: September 2010
  • Reference: 408
  • ISBN/ISSN: ISBN 978-0-478-36446-0 (electronic)