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School Bus Type I and II At-Fault Collisions

The California Department of Education's Office of School Transportation (CDE/OST) recently received a compilation of California school bus collision data from the California Highway Patrol's Commercial Vehicle Section. The summaries include data from the 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 calendar years, reflecting those collisions which occurred while school buses were transporting one or more students to or from school, or school-related activities.

The data collected identifies unsafe speed, improper turn, and start or backing collisions as the most prevalent school bus driver caused collisions in California. Such collisions make up more than 71 percent in 2003, 72 percent in 2004, and 74 percent in 2005 and 2006 of the total number of school bus driver at-fault collisions.

In an effort to reduce the overall percentage of school bus driver at-fault collisions, CDE/OST has compiled the following data (Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4) identifying the most common school bus driver at fault collisions for the years 2003 through 2006. School districts and contracting agencies should use this information to identify primary collision factors and direct their training resources accordingly.

Table 1
2003 School Bus (SB) Type I and II At-Fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF) Highest Percentage
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contractual (Contr.) SB I Contr. SB II Total Percent Total
Unsafe Speed 87 15 4 1 29 10 146 15.7%
Improper Turn 234 28 8 2 59 24 355 38.1%
Start or Backing 108 10 2 6 21 16 163 17.5%
Total 429 53 14 9 109 50 664 71.3%
Table 2
2004 School Bus (SB) Type I and II At-Fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF) Highest Percentage
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total Percent Total
Unsafe Speed 80 19 2 2 29 17 149 15.7%
Improper Turn 217 37 5 6 71 36 372 39%
Start or Backing 97 16 4 3 37 14 171 18%
Total 394 72 12 11 137 67 692 72.7%
Table 3
2005 School Bus (SB) Type I and II At-Fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF) Highest Percentage
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total Percent Total
Unsafe Speed 65 18 4 0 34 14 135 15.3%
Improper Turn 240 24 2 2 65 21 354 40%
Start or Backing 99 19 0 2 31 16 167 19%
Total 404 61 6 4 130 51 656 74.3%
Table 4
2006 School Bus (SB) Type I and II At-Fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF) Highest Percentage
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total Percent Total
Unsafe Speed 63 18 6 1 45 7 140 14.2%
Improper Turn 232 40 3 3 90 24 392 39.6%
Start or Backing 114 18 3 1 52 15 203 20.6%
Total 409 76 12 5 187 46 735 74.4%

Questions regarding this information contact OST at 916-375-7100.

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Summary of 2003 California School Bus Collision Data
California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Section

The following is a summary of California school bus collision data for the 2003 calendar year. This data reflects those collisions which occurred while school buses were transporting one or more students to or from school or school-related activities. School pupil transportation agencies may use this information to identify primary collision factors and direct their training resources accordingly. This data should assist school pupil transportation agencies in reducing incidents of school bus involved collisions and ensure the safe transportation of California's school pupils.

Synopsis

Mileage: In 2003, 25,199 school buses were operated in California; a decrease of 972 from 2002. These vehicles traveled 355,184,350 miles; a 2.2 percent increase in miles traveled when compared to the 2002 calendar year.

Collisions: The total number of school bus collisions in 2003 decreased by 118 to 2,260; a 5.0 percent decrease from 2002. Of the 2003 collisions six resulted in fatalities; a 100 percent increase from the previous year. However, none of the fatalities involved school pupil passengers. The last school pupil passenger death occurred in 1995.

Injury collisions: The total number of injury collisions in 2003 increased to 417 from 412 the previous year; a 1.1 percent increase.

School Bus Driver at Fault Collisions: School bus driver error was the primary collision factor for 933 school bus collisions for 2003; a 2.8 percent decrease from the previous year. Of the driver at fault collisions 770 (82.5 percent) occurred in Type I school buses and 163 (17 percent) occurred in Type II school buses.

  • A Type I school bus is a vehicle designed to carry more than 16 passengers and the driver.
  • A Type II school bus is a vehicle designed to carry not more than 16 passengers and the driver, or a vehicle manufactured on or after April 1, 1977, having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and designed to carry not more than 20 passengers and the driver.

Other Drivers at Fault Collisions and Causes Other than Driver at Fault: Drivers of other vehicles were responsible for 1,068 (52 percent) of the total school bus collisions. Collisions attributed to non-specific causes totaled 258 (11.4 percent) of the school bus collisions.

Table 1
2003 California School Bus Collision Statistics
Category 2003
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Pedestrian 1
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 4
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Bicycle 1
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Pedestrian 21
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 230
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle on Other Road 1
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 10
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Bicycle 8
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Fixed Object 17
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Other Object 2
Injury Collision Non-Collisions 124
Injury Collision Not Stated 4
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Pedestrian 3
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 1,285
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle on Other Road 6
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 255
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Bicycle 8
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Animal 21
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Fixed Object 197
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Other Object 37
Property Damage Collision Non-Collision 11
Property Damage Collision Not Stated 14
Total Collisions 2,260

Note: Non-Collisions (Non-Clsn) are collisions that do not reflect an impact with any party or object. These school bus collisions are a result of injury to a pupil inside the school bus due to acceleration, deceleration, or other movement of the vehicle. For example, a drive brakes firmly, the pupil hits his/her head on the seat in from of him/her, and is injured as a result of the rapid deceleration.

Table 2
2001-2003 California School Bus Collision Pupil Injury Statistics
Category 2001 2002 2003
Pupil Passengers Killed 0 0 0
Pupil Passengers Severe Injuries 2 0 6
Pupil Passengers Moderate Injuries 101 88 80
Pupil Passengers Possible Injuries 526 337 302
Pupil Pedestrians Killed 1 0 0
Pupil Pedestrians Severe Injuries 0 0 0
Pupil Pedestrians Moderate Injuries 1 2 0
Pupil Pedestrians Possible Injuries 2 0 1
Table 3
2003 School Bus Passengers Killed and Injured by Extent of Injury, Primary Collision Factor (PCF) and Public, Private, or Contractual (Contr.) School Bus Type I or II (SB 1 or II)
PCF and SB Type Total Killed Total Injured Severe Injury Other Visible Injury Complaint of Pain
Non-Clsn Public SB I 0 125 1 31 93
Non-Clsn Public SB II 0 8 0 6 2
Non-Clsn Private SB I 0 2 0 2 0
Non-Clsn Private SB II 0 5 0 0 5
Non-Clsn Contr SB I 0 52 0 11 41
Non-Clsn SB II 0 5 0 2 3
Pedestrian Public SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 90 5 20

65
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB II 0 6 0 1 5
Other Motor Vehicle Private SB I 0 2 0 0 2
Other Motor Vehicle Private SB II 0 1 0 0 1
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB I 0 41 0 0 41
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB II 0 3 0 1 2
Motor Vehicle On Other Road Public SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Parked Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 4 0 1 3
Parked Motor Vehicle Public SB II 0 2 0 2 0
Fixed Object Public SB I 0 30 0 3 27
Fixed Object Contr. SB II 0 2 0 0 2
Other Object Public SB I 0 3 0 0 3
Not Stated Public SB I 0 5 0 0 4
Not Stated Contr. SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Table 4
2003 School Bus Type I and II Collisions by Primary Collision Factor (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Driver Alcohol or Drugs 13 1 0 0 0 0 14
Impede Traffic 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Unsafe Speed 244 38 8 7 76 44 417
Too Close 10 2 0 1 4 2 19
Wrong Side 42 4 1 1 6 4 58
Improper Pass 44 7 2 1 27 9 90
Lane Change 66 11 3 2 37 16 135
Improper Turn 359 38 11 5 105 39 557
Right-of-Way Turn 132 19 4 1 28 14 198
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 7 0 0 0 2 1 10
Pedestrian Violation 5 0 0 0 0 0 5
Stop Sign or Signal 26 8 4 2 4 11 55
Start or Backing 185 22 7 11 41 39 305
Hazardous Parking 5 0 0 0 0 1 6
Brakes 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
Other Equipment 4 0 0 0 0 0 4
Other Hazards 15 3 2 0 9 0 29
Other Improper Driving 93 9 3 2 13 16 136
Not Driver 113 10 2 0 25 4 154
Unknown 32 5 1 0 15 3 56
Not Stated 11 1 1 0 5 7 25
Total 1,408 179 49 33 397 210 2,276

Note: The total number of school bus collisions identified in Table 4 differs by 16 collisions from the total number of school bus collisions in Table 1. The reason for the difference is that Table 4 includes school bus collisions where two school buses were involved and accounts for each school bus separately. In other words, Type I school buses were involved in six collisions with another Type I; and Type I school buses were involved in ten collisions with Type II school buses.

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Table 5
2003 School Bus Type I and II At-fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Impede Traffic 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Unsafe Speed 87 15 4 1 29 10 146
Too Close 3 0 0 1 3 1 8
Wrong Side 16 1 0 1 1 1 20
Improper Pass 6 4 0 0 6 4 20
Lane Change 20 4 2 0 11 4 41
Improper Turn 234 28 8 2 59 24 355
Right-of-Way Turn 45 7 0 0 7 6 65
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 7 0 0 0 2 1 10
Stop Sign or Signal 6 0 0 0 1 0 7
Start or Backing 108 10 2 6 21 16 163
Hazardous Parking 3 0 0 0 0 1 4
Brakes 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Other Equipment 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Other Hazards 2 0 1 0 1 0 4
Other Improper Driving 57 4 2 1 6 7 77
Not Driver 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Not Stated 5 0 0 0 1 1 7
Total 602 75 19 12 149 76 933
Table 6
School Bus Collisions by Month 2003
Month Fatal Injury PDO Total
January 0 41 156 197
February 0 33 163 196
March 0 35 190 225
April 0 28 146 174
May 1 62 198 261
June 0 22 125 147
July 0 17 69 86
August 2 15 50 67
September 1 48 205 254
October 0 52 232 284
November 0 34 162 196
December 2 30 141 173
Total 6 417 1,837 2,260

Summary of 2004 California School Bus Collision Data

The following is a summary of California school bus collision data for the 2004 calendar year. This data reflects those collisions which occurred while school buses were transporting one or more students to or from school or school related activities. School pupil transportation agencies may use this information to identify primary collision factors and direct their training resources accordingly. This data should assist school pupil transportation agencies in reducing incidents of school bus involved collisions and ensure the safe transportation of California's school pupils.

Synopsis

Mileage: In 2004, 26,188 school buses were operated in California; an increase of 989 from 2003. These vehicles traveled 347,556,234 miles; a 2.1 percent decrease in miles traveled when compared to the 2003 calendar year.

Collisions: The total number of school bus collisions in 2004 increased by 32 to 2,292; a 1.4 percent increase from 2003. Of the 2004 collisions two resulted in fatalities; four less than the previous year. However, none of the fatalities involved school pupil passengers. The last school pupil passenger death occurred in 1995.

Injury collisions: The total number of injury collisions in 2004 increased to 443 from 417 the previous year; a 5.8 percent increase.

School Bus Driver at Fault Collisions: School bus driver error was the primary collision factor for 954 school bus collisions for 2004; a 2.2 percent decrease from the previous year. Of the driver at fault collisions 740 (78 percent) occurred in Type I school buses and 214 (22 percent) occurred in Type II school buses.

  • A Type I school bus is a vehicle designed to carry more than 16 passengers and the driver.
  • A Type II school bus is a vehicle designed to carry not more than 16 passengers and the driver, or a vehicle manufactured on or after April 1, 1977, having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and designed to carry not more than 20 passengers and the driver.

Other Drivers at Fault Collisions and Causes Other than Driver at Fault: Drivers of other vehicles were responsible for 1,338 (58 percent) of the total school bus collisions.

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Table 1
2004 California School Bus Collision Statistics
Category 2004
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 2
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Pedestrian 16
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 233
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle on Other Road 3
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 8
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Bicycle 13
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Fixed Object 22
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Other Object 5
Injury Collision Non-Collisions 141
Injury Collision Not Stated 2
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Pedestrian 3
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 1,240
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle on Other Road 3
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 299
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Bicycle 7
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Animal 13
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Fixed Object 221
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Other Object 45
Property Damage Collision Non-Collision 12
Property Damage Collision Not Stated 4
Total Collisions 2,292

Note: Non-Collisions (Non-Clsn) are collisions that do not reflect an impact with any party or object. These school bus collisions are a result of injury to a pupil inside the school bus due to acceleration, deceleration, or other movement of the vehicle. For example, a drive brakes firmly, the pupil hits his/her head on the seat in from of him/her, and is injured as a result of the rapid deceleration.

Table 2
2002-2004 California School Bus Collision Pupil Injury Statistics
Category 2002 2003 2004
Pupil Passengers Killed 0 0 0
Pupil Passengers Severe Injuries 0 6 0
Pupil Passengers Other Visible Injuries 88 80 89
Pupil Passengers Complaint of Pain 337 302 423
Pupil Pedestrians Killed 0 0 0
Pupil Pedestrians Severe Injuries 0 0 0
Pupil Pedestrians Moderate Injuries 2 4 7
Pupil Pedestrians Possible Injuries 0 4 3
Table 3
2004 School Bus Passengers Killed and Injured by Extent of Injury, Primary Collision Factor (PCF) and Public, Private, or Contractual (Contr.) School Bus Type I or II (SB 1 or II)
PCF and SB Type Total Killed Total Injured Severe Injury Other Visible Injury Complaint of Pain
Non-Clsn Public SB I 0 160 0 30 130
Non-Clsn Public SB II 0 15 0 6 9
Non-Clsn Private SB I 0 5 0 1 4
Non-Clsn Private SB II 0 2 0 1 1
Non-Clsn Contr SB I 0 64 0 12 52
Non-Clsn SB II 0 11 0 3 8
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 110 0 10 100
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB II 0 24 0 2 22
Other Motor Vehicle Private SB I 0 5 0 0 5
Other Motor Vehicle Private SB II 0 8 0 5 3
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB I 0 33 0 4 28
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB II 0 3 0 0 3
Motor Vehicle On Other Road Public SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Parked Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 2 0 0 2
Parked Motor Vehicle Public SB II 0 1 0 0 1
Parked Motor Vehicle Contr. SB I 0 1 0 1 0
Fixed Object Public SB I 0 20 0 4 16
Fixed Contr. SB I 0 42 0 8 34
Fixed Object Contr. SB II 0 1 0 0 1
Other Object Public SB II 0 1 0 0 1
Other Object Contr. SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Not Stated Public SB I 0 2 0 1 1
Table 4
2004 School Bus Type I and II Collisions by Primary Collision Factor (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Driver Alcohol or Drugs 8 1 0 0 3 0 12
Impede Traffic 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
Unsafe Speed 229 59 12 5 71 44 420
Too Close 10 2 1 1 0 2 16
Wrong Side 29 5 0 1 5 3 43
Improper Pass 49 6 1 2 31 11 100
Lane Change 69 15 4 2 41 19 150
Improper Turn 327 57 6 8 116 60 574
Right-of-Way Turn 79 20 3 10 38 15 165
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 2 1 0 0 1 0 4
Pedestrian Violation 3 0 0 0 3 0 6
Stop Sign or Signal 33 7 1 3 11 9 64
Start or Backing 169 28 6 4 62 43 312
Hazardous Parking 8 0 0 1 3 0 12
Other Equipment 3 1 0 0 0 0 4
Other Hazards 11 2 1 1 6 4 25
Other Improper Driving 84 29 3 1 17 12 146
Not Driver 82 20 3 1 43 11 160
Unknown 23 7 1 1 12 3 47
Not Stated 20 3 1 1 9 6 40
Total 1,239 264 43 42 472 242 2,302

Note: The total number of school bus collisions identified in Table 4 differs by ten collisions from the total number of school bus collisions in Table 1. The reason for the difference is that Table 4 includes school bus collisions where two school buses were involved and accounts for each school bus separately. In other words, Type I school buses were involved in three collisions with another Type II; and a Type II school bus were involved in one collision with another Type II school bus.

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Table 5
2004 School Bus Type I and II At-fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Driver Alcohol or Drugs 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Unsafe Speed 80 19 2 2 29 17 149
Too Close 4 1 0 0 0 0 5
Wrong Side 11 1 0 0 2 0 14
Improper Pass 9 2 0 0 7 4 22
Lane Change 18 4 0 1 11 2 36
Improper Turn 217 37 5 6 71 36 372
Right-of-Way Turn 22 5 1 5 16 8 57
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 2 1 0 0 1 0 4
Stop Sign or Signal 4 1 0 0 1 0 6
Start or Backing 97 16 4 3 37 14 171
Hazardous Parking 5 0 0 1 1 0 7
Other Hazards 7 0 0 0 0 1 8
Other Improper Driving 53 16 3 0 13 8 93
Not Stated 4 0 0 0 2 3 9
Total 533 103 15 18 192 93 954
Table 6
School Bus Collisions by Month 2004
Month Fatal Injury PDO Total
January 1 35 153 189
February 0 35 180 215
March 0 56 192 248
April 0 36 146 182
May 0 51 179 230
June 0 29 116 145
July 0 12 71 83
August 1 16 68 85
September 0 44 209 253
October 0 55 224 279
November 0 45 170 215
December 0 29 139 168
Total 2 443 1,847 2,292

Summary of 2005 California School Bus Collision Data

The following is a summary of California school bus collision data for the 2005 calendar year. This data reflects those collisions which occurred while school buses were transporting one or more students to or from school or school related activities. School pupil transportation agencies may use this information to identify primary collision factors and direct their training resources accordingly. This data should assist school pupil transportation agencies in reducing incidents of school bus involved collisions and ensure the safe transportation of California's school pupils.

Synopsis

Mileage: In 2005, 25,414 school buses were operated in California; a decrease of 774 from 2004. These vehicles traveled 323,147,188 miles; a 7 percent decrease in miles traveled when compared to the 2004 calendar year.

Collisions: The total number of school bus collisions in 2005 decreased by 10 to 2,282; a 3 percent decrease from 2004. Of the 2005 collisions four resulted in fatalities; two more than the previous year. However, none of the fatalities involved school pupil passengers. The last school pupil passenger death occurred in 1995.

Injury collisions: The total number of injury collisions in 2005decreased to 396 from 443 the previous year; a 10.7 percent increase.

School Bus Driver at Fault Collisions: School bus driver error was the primary collision factor for 884 school bus collisions for 2005; a 7.3 percent decrease from the previous year. Of the driver at fault collisions 726 (82 percent) occurred in Type I school buses and 158 (18 percent) occurred in Type II school buses.

  • A Type I school bus is a vehicle designed to carry more than 16 passengers and the driver.
  • A Type II school bus is a vehicle designed to carry not more than 16 passengers and the driver, or a vehicle manufactured on or after April 1, 1977, having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and designed to carry not more than 20 passengers and the driver.

Other Drivers at Fault Collisions and Causes Other than Driver at Fault: Drivers of other vehicles were responsible for 1,159 (51 percent) of the total school bus collisions.

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Table 1
2005 California School Bus Collision Statistics
Category 2005
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Pedestrian 1
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Other Motor Vehicle 3
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Pedestrian 15
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 211
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle on Other Road 3
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 7
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Bicycle 11
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Fixed Object 14
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Other Object 3
Injury Collision Non-Collisions 131
Injury Collision Not Stated 1
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Pedestrian 1
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 1,301
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle on Other Road 7
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 303
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Animal 16
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Fixed Object 200
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Other Object 40
Property Damage Collision Non-Collision 12
Property Damage Collision Not Stated 2
Total Collisions 2,282

Note: Non-Collisions (Non-Clsn) are collisions that do not reflect an impact with any party or object. These school bus collisions are a result of injury to a pupil inside the school bus due to acceleration, deceleration, or other movement of the vehicle. For example, a drive brakes firmly, the pupil hits his/her head on the seat in from of him/her, and is injured as a result of the rapid deceleration.

Table 2
2003-2005 California School Bus Collision Pupil Injury Statistics
Category 2003 2004 2005
Pupil Passengers Killed 0 0 0
Pupil Passengers Severe Injuries 6 0 0
Pupil Passengers Other Visible Injuries 80 89 60
Pupil Passengers Complaint of Pain 302 423 340
Pupil Pedestrians Killed 0 0 0
Pupil Pedestrians Severe Injuries 0 0 1
Pupil Pedestrians Moderate Injuries 4 7 4
Pupil Pedestrians Possible Injuries 4 3 4
Table 3
2005 School Bus Passengers Killed and Injured by Extent of Injury, Primary Collision Factor (PCF) and Public, Private, or Contractual (Contr.) School Bus Type I or II (SB 1 or II)
PCF and SB Type Total Killed Total Injured Severe Injury Other Visible Injury Complaint of Pain
Non-Clsn Public SB I 0 134 0 27 107
Non-Clsn Public SB II 0 13 0 2 11
Non-Clsn Contr. SB I 0 39 0 14 25
Non-Clsn Contr. SB II 0 4 0 3 1
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 133 0 10 123
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB II 0 7 0 0 7
Other Motor Vehicle Private SB I 0 5 0 1 4
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB I 0 26 0 0 26
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB II 0 13 0 0 13
Motor Vehicle On Other Road Contr. SB I 0 3 0 0 3
Parked Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Parked Motor Vehicle Contr. SB I 0 2 0 1 1
Fixed Object Public SB I 0 5 0 1 4
Fixed Contr. SB I 0 13 0 0 13
Other Object Public SB II 0 1 0 0 1
Table 4
2005 School Bus Type I and II Collisions by Primary Collision Factor (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Driver Alcohol or Drugs 7 4 0 0 2 4 17
Impede Traffic 2 0 0 0 0 1 3
Unsafe Speed 229 51 10 5 106 46 447
Too Close 11 2 0 0 4 3 20
Wrong Side 31 9 3 0 22 6 71
Improper Pass 41 5 4 1 30 10 91
Lane Change 78 10 3 3 49 18 161
Improper Turn 354 41 5 4 113 45 562
Right-of-Way Auto 93 15 2 1 34 15 160
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 3 1 0 0 1 2 7
Pedestrian Violation 5 0 0 0 1 1 7
Stop Sign or Signal 43 2 1 0 15 3 64
Start or Backing 189 37 2 2 66 30 326
Hazardous Parking 1 2 0 0 1 0 4
Other Equipment 1 0 0 0 2 0 3
Other Hazards 16 2 2 0 13 2 35
Other Improper Driving 78 11 1 1 20 8 119
Not Driver 83 9 3 0 34 11 140
Unknown 15 6 1 1 9 1 33
Not Stated 9 2 2 1 5 4 23
Total 1,289 209 39 19 527 210 2,293

Note: The total number of school bus collisions identified in Table 4 differs by six collisions from the total number of school bus collisions in Table 1. The reason for the difference is that Table 4 includes school bus collisions where two school buses were involved and accounts for each school bus separately. In other words, Type I school buses were involved in 29 collisions with another Type I; and Type I school buses were involved in three collisions with Type II school buses.

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Table 5
2005 School Bus Type I and II At-fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Driver Alcohol or Drugs 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Impede Traffic 1 0 0 0 0 1 2
Unsafe Speed 65 18 4 0 34 14 135
Too Close 5 2 0 0 3 3 13
Wrong Side 10 1 0 0 4 0 15
Improper Pass 8 0 1 0 7 1 17
Lane Change 20 2 1 1 6 3 33
Improper Turn 240 24 2 2 65 21 354
Right-of-Way Auto 30 5 1 0 11 5 52
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 3 1 0 0 1 2 7
Stop Sign or Signal 6 0 0 0 3 0 9
Start or Backing 99 19 0 2 31 16 167
Hazardous Parking 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Other Hazards 3 0 0 0 3 0 6
Other Improper Driving 44 7 0 0 11 5 67
Not Stated 2 1 1 0 0 1 5
Total 536 80 10 5 180 73 884
Table 6
School Bus Collisions by Month 2005
Month Fatal Injury PDO Total
January 0 41 186 227
February 0 38 160 198
March 0 37 189 226
April 1 35 153 189
May 1 48 192 241
June 0 20 132 152
July 0 17 71 88
August 0 13 63 76
September 1 33 199 233
October 0 44 201 245
November 0 43 203 246
December 1 27 133 161
Total 4 396 1,882 2,282

Summary of 2006 California School Bus Collision Data

The following is a summary of California school bus collision data for the 2006 calendar year. This data reflects those collisions which occurred while school buses were transporting one or more students to or from school or school related activities. School pupil transportation agencies may use this information to identify primary collision factors and direct their training resources accordingly. This data should assist school pupil transportation agencies in reducing incidents of school bus involved collisions and ensure the safe transportation of California's school pupils.

Synopsis

Mileage: In 2006, 25,822 school buses were operated in California; an increase of 408 from 2005. These vehicles traveled 315,463,456 miles; a 2.4 percent decrease in miles traveled when compared to the 2005 calendar year.

Collisions: The total number of school bus collisions in 2006 increased by 63 to 2,345; a 2.6 percent increase from 2005. Of the 2006 collisions ten resulted in six fatalities; six more than the previous year. However, none of the fatalities involved school pupil passengers. The last school pupil passenger death occurred in 1995.

Injury collisions: The total number of injury collisions in 2006 decreased to 391 from 396 the previous year; a 1.2 percent decrease.

School Bus Driver at Fault Collisions: School bus driver error was the primary collision factor for 990 school bus collisions for 2005; a 10.7 percent increase from the previous year. Of the driver at fault collisions 821 (83 percent) occurred in Type I school buses and 169 (17 percent) occurred in Type II school buses.

  • A Type I school bus is a vehicle designed to carry more than 16 passengers and the driver.
  • A Type II school bus is a vehicle designed to carry not more than 16 passengers and the driver, or a vehicle manufactured on or after April 1, 1977, having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and designed to carry not more than 20 passengers and the driver.

Other Drivers at Fault Collisions and Causes Other than Driver at Fault: Drivers of other vehicles were responsible for 1,097 (53 percent) of the total school bus collisions.

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Table 1
2006 California School Bus Collision Statistics
Category 2006
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Pedestrian 4
Fatal Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 6
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Pedestrian 13
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 205
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 9
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Bicycle 9
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Fixed Object 22
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Animal 2
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Fixed Object 15
Injury Collisions School Bus vs. Other Object 4
Injury Collision Non-Collisions 133
Injury Collision Not Stated 1
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Pedestrian 1
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle 1,306
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Motor Vehicle on Other Road 6
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Parked Motor Vehicle 325
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Bicycle 4
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Animal 15
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Fixed Object 231
Property Damage Collision School Bus vs. Other Object 41
Property Damage Collision Non-Collision 14
Property Damage Collision Not Stated 1
Total Collisions 2,345

Note: Non-Collisions (Non-Clsn) are collisions that do not reflect an impact with any party or object. These school bus collisions are a result of injury to a pupil inside the school bus due to acceleration, deceleration, or other movement of the vehicle. For example, a drive brakes firmly, the pupil hits his/her head on the seat in from of him/her, and is injured as a result of the rapid deceleration.

Table 2
2004-2006 California School Bus Collision Pupil Injury Statistics
Category 2004 2005 2006
Pupil Passengers Killed 0 0 0
Pupil Pedestrians Killed 0 0 2
Pupil Passengers Severe Injuries 0 0 2
Pupil Passengers Other Visible Injuries 89 60 63
Pupil Passengers Complaint of Pain 423 340 322
Pupil Pedestrians Severe Injuries 0 1 1
Pupil Pedestrians Other Visible Injuries 7 4 7
Pupil Pedestrians Complaint of Pain 3 4 2
Table 3
2006 School Bus Passengers Killed and Injured by Extent of Injury, Primary Collision Factor (PCF) and Public, Private, or Contractual (Contr.) School Bus Type I or II (SB 1 or II)
PCF and SB Type Total Killed Total Injured Severe Injury Other Visible Injury Complaint of Pain
Non-Clsn Public SB I 0 108 0 28 80
Non-Clsn Public SB II 0 9 0 3 6
Non-Clsn Private SB II 0 1 0 0 1
Non-Clsn Contr SB I 0 42 0 12 30
Non-Clsn Contr SB II 0 5 0 2 3
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 134 0 13 119
Other Motor Vehicle Public SB II 0 11 0 0 11
Other Motor Vehicle Private SB I 0 4 0 0 4
Other Motor Vehicle Private SB II 0 1 0 0 1
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB I 0 33 0 2 31
Other Motor Vehicle Contr. SB II 0 9 0 1 8
Parked Motor Vehicle Public SB I 0 3 0 0 3
Parked Motor Vehicle Contr. SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Bicycle Public SB I 0 1 0 0 1
Animal Public SB I 0 3 0 1 2
Fixed Object Public SB I 0 13 0 1 12
Fixed Object Contr. SB I 0 5 0 0 5
Other Object Public SB II 0 2 0 0 2
Other Object Contr. SB I 0 2 0 0 2
Not Stated Public SB I 0 0 0 0 0
Table 4
2006 School Bus Type I and II Collisions by Primary Collision Factor (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Driver Alcohol or Drugs 8 0 2 1 1 1 13
Impede Traffic 2 0 0 0 0 0 1
Unsafe Speed 194 45 12 3 111 42 407
Too Close 8 2 0 0 0 1 11
Wrong Side 27 3 1 0 16 4 51
Improper Pass 59 7 2 1 52 8 129
Lane Change 63 12 2 5 57 9 148
Improper Turn 340 70 7 5 157 43 622
Right-of-Way Auto 74 16 3 1 43 13 150
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 3 1 0 0 2 1 7
Pedestrian Violation 5 0 0 0 1 1 7
Stop Sign or Signal 39 5 1 1 20 7 73
Start or Backing 198 38 6 2 88 30 362
Hazardous Parking 1 2 0 0 1 1 5
Other Equipment 2 0 1 0 3 0 6
Other Hazards 10 1 0 0 2 0 13
Other Improper Driving 88 19 5 2 25 13 152
Not Driver 95 14 1 2 38 7 157
Unknown 22 2 0 1 5 1 31
Not Stated 7 2 0 0 3 1 13
Total 1,244 239 43 24 625 183 2,358

Note : The total number of school bus collisions identified in Table 4 differs by thirteen collisions from the total number of school bus collisions in Table 1. The reason for the difference is that Table 4 includes school bus collisions where two school buses were involved and accounts for each school bus separately. In other words, Type I school buses were involved in 58 collisions with another Type I; and Type I school buses were involved in two collisions with Type II school buses.

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Table 5
2006 School Bus Type I and II At-fault Collisions by Primary Collision Factors (PCF)
PCF Public SB I Public SB II Private SB I Private SB II Contr. SB I Contr. SB II Total
Unsafe Speed 63 18 6 1 45 7 140
Too Close 2 0 0 0 0 0 2
Wrong Side 4 1 0 0 6 2 13
Improper Pass 9 1 1 1 13 2 27
Lane Change 15 2 1 3 19 0 40
Improper Turn 232 40 3 3 90 24 392
Right-of-Way Auto 20 5 3 0 21 2 51
Right-of-Way Pedestrian 3 1 0 0 2 1 7
Stop Sign or Signal 3 0 0 1 2 1 7
Start or Backing 114 18 3 1 52 15 203
Hazardous Parking 1 1 0 0 0 1 3
Other Equipment 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Other Hazards 2 1 0 0 1 0 4
Other Improper Driving 59 10 4 0 15 5 93
Not Stated 4 0 0 0 2 1 7
Total 531 98 21 10 269 61 990
Table 6
School Bus Collisions by Month 2006
Month Fatal Injury PDO Total
January 1 39 168 208
February 1 33 165 199
March 3 36 204 243
April 0 40 154 194
May 3 42 215 260
June 0 32 140 172
July 1 17 61 79
August 0 19 89 108
September 0 31 211 242
October 0 39 220 259
November 1 33 184 218
December 0 30 133 163
Total 10 391 1,944 2,345

Questions regarding this information may be directed to the California Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Section at 916-445-1865.

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Questions:   Anna Borges | aborges@cde.ca.gov | 916-375-7100
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, July 05, 2023