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Survey highlights widespread close calls between vehicles and school bus riders

Nearly half of bus-riding students faced vehicle near misses, according to Jalopnik.

The short version

  • A Governors Highway Safety Association survey indicates 46% of school bus passengers experienced close calls with reckless drivers in school zones or at stops.[Jalopnik]
  • Among all surveyed school-age children, 36% reported near misses, while 43% of parents knew another child who was nearly struck.[Jalopnik]
  • A majority of parents attributed the dangerous driving to motorists believing they will avoid consequences.[Jalopnik]
  • Over 90% of surveyed parents support automated ticketing for stop-arm violations and increased police presence.[Jalopnik]

Key facts

  • A Governors Highway Safety Association survey found 46% of children who ride school buses experienced close calls with reckless drivers near stops or school zones.[Jalopnik]
  • Across all school-age children surveyed, 36% experienced a close call with a driver.[Jalopnik]
  • Fifty-three percent of parents believe motorists drive recklessly around children because they assume they will not be caught.[Jalopnik]
  • Ninety-one percent of parents back automated ticketing for drivers who bypass school bus crossing arms and flashing lights.[Jalopnik]
  • Visible police enforcement in school areas is supported by 90% of parents, while 88% support speed cameras.[Jalopnik]

What remains uncertain

  • The survey methodology, total sample size, and specific margin of error were not detailed in the reporting.[Jalopnik]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.