We may be in the dog days of summer, but back-to-school season is approaching quickly. This is a time when students may be getting their schedule for the upcoming year and gathering supplies for classes. Parents have to decide how they will get their kids to school, and may be deciding between signing them up for the bus, committing to the daily drop-off routine, or even letting teens drive themselves. A parent’s primary concern is to keep their child safe, so this factor is crucial to consider when arranging transportation for a safe and accident-free school year.

Are School Buses Safe?

Yes, overall, school buses are generally safe. With that being said, there is always a risk of an accident, no matter what type of transportation you choose. In minor accidents, passengers in a school bus are likely not to become severely injured. However, due to the size and weight of school buses, severe accidents could cause catastrophic injuries.

A study analyzing the most accident-prone school transit zones in a small Texas town, Laredo, reveals that there were 119 school bus crashes between August 2022 and May 2025. While this exact statistic may be about Laredo, TX, it paints a picture of how often school bus accidents may occur in other small towns across the US. 

Is Driving Your Child To School Better Than Taking the Bus?

It depends. While driving your child may feel like the safer or more convenient option, it comes with its own set of risks. Drop-off and pick-up zones can be chaotic, especially at larger schools or campuses that lack designated traffic flow systems. Some of the most dangerous times for student pedestrians are during parent drop-off, where distracted driving, rushed schedules, and overcrowding can all increase the chance of a crash.

By contrast, school buses are driven by professionals trained in safety protocols and subject to strict regulations. Buses also have dedicated routes and stopping procedures designed to minimize risk. If your child has a reliable bus route and you live in an area where it’s available, the school bus is often the safer option, statistically.

How Can Parents and Students Enhance Safety During School Commutes?

No matter how your child gets to school, there are a few key safety tips every family should keep in mind:

  • Talk about pedestrian safety. Remind kids to always use crosswalks and follow crossing guards. Teach your child from a young age the proper way to look both ways before crossing a street.
  • Be predictable. Stick to the same drop-off and pick-up routines when possible.
  • Avoid distractions. Whether you’re driving your child or they’re walking to a bus stop, distractions like phones can be dangerous.
  • Make sure your teen driver is ready. If your teen is driving to school, talk about safe driving habits and the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.
  • Report unsafe conditions. If you notice recurring traffic issues near your child’s school, report them to the school or local authorities.

Understanding the Safest School Commute Options for Your Family

Every family’s situation is different, and what works for one child might not work for another. But when it comes to school transportation, the safest option is usually the one that involves trained professionals, clear routines, and fewer distractions. For many, that means the school bus is still the gold standard for getting kids to and from school safely.