Every day, Michigan’s nearly 16,500 school buses not only act as the safest form of transportation for students, but also reduce traffic congestion.
To help promote the benefits of schools buses, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with the American School Bus Council to promote the My Choice, Their Ride. campaign. The campaign highlights that school buses are the safest, most economic and most environmentally friendly choice for student transportation.
According to the American School Bus Council, students are 50 times safer riding a school bus to and from school than driving themselves or riding with friends, and 20 times safer than riding with a parent or other adult. In addition, it is estimated every school bus keeps 36 cars off the roads around schools, reducing the likelihood of a crash and improving traffic flow.
In 2011, Michigan school buses were involved in 902 crashes that resulted in 273 injuries, according to the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center. The majority of those injured were motor vehicle drivers and passengers or pedestrians. While three people died in school bus-involved crashes, none of the fatalities were students riding on a school bus.
During National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 22-26, parents are encouraged to visit www.schoolbusfacts.com and learn more about safe student transportation.
Source: News release from Michigan State Police
