The Advocate November 2022: School Transportation Resources

In the last year, AASA has stepped in to provide federal policy support to the National Association for Pupil Transportation. Our advocacy included a successful coalition letter focused on policy relief for the bus driver shortage. More recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shared a suite of resources that can be helpful to school districts, and we are happy to highlight them here.

NHTSA has a National Roadway Safety Strategy, which is the US Department of Transportation’s comprehensive approach to significantly reduce serious injuries and deaths on the nation’s highways, roads, and streets. 

• NHTSA’s 2020 School-Transportation-Related Crashes Traffic Safety Facts provides additional statistics on school bus safety.
• NHTSA has a general School Bus Safety website.
• NHTSA has a handful of current/ongoing projects related to pupil transportation:
  • Illegal Passing of School Buses
    • This was officially featured in October, but the resources are relevant and timeless. In particular, check out the factsheet and talking points!
  • NHTSA Pupil Transportation Safety Reports
    • Education on Proper Use of Seat Belts on School Buses (DOT HS 812 999)
    • Indirect Effects of School Bus Seat Installation (DOT HS 813 049)
    • Examination of Three Districts Implementing Stop Arm Camera Programs to Enforce Laws Against Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses (DOT HS 813 113)
  • Safe School Bus Stops & Routes
    • Safe Routes to School
  • Development of Pupil Transportation Education Materials for Schools
    • Toolkit: Reducing Illegal Passing of Buses 
  • School Bus Driver In-Service Curriculum

And related, NCSL recently updated their state-by-state look at school transportation laws.