What Time of Day Are School Bus Fatalities Most Likely to Occur

By Joshua Glotzer in Bus Accident on August 08, 2025

Morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups may seem like routine parts of the school day, but those hours are statistically the most dangerous for children riding school buses. What time of day are school bus fatalities most likely to occur? is during the afternoon hours, most often between 3:00 p.m. and 3:59 p.m., and during the early morning hours, specifically between 7:00 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. These are the windows when students are being transported to and from school.

At Glotzer & Leib, we know how devastating school transportation incidents can be, especially when injuries occur during these high-traffic periods. These crashes may be rare, but the personal injuries can be life-altering when they happen.

How Safe Are School Buses for Children and Other Road Users?

School buses are generally one of the safest transportation options for students. Their bright yellow color, size, and safety design make them highly visible and structurally sound. However, safety does not guarantee immunity. Accidents still happen, especially when drivers around school buses act carelessly or ignore traffic laws.

Crashes involving buses often harm people outside the bus more than those inside. That includes cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers of smaller vehicles who don’t stand a chance against a 30,000-pound bus.

How Many School Bus Crash Fatalities Are There Per Year?

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that between 2013 and 2022, there were 976 fatal school-transportation-related traffic crashes, resulting in 1,082 deaths. That averages to 108 fatalities each year.

Most of these incidents receive little public attention, but they leave a lasting impact on the communities involved. These numbers reflect more than statistics; they represent lives lost and families left searching for justice and support.

Who Faces the Highest Risk of Death in a School Bus Accident?

Occupants of other vehicles are the most likely to die in school bus crashes. A recent report from the National Safety Council shows that from 2014 to 2023, 71% of the deaths were individuals in vehicles other than the bus. Another 16% were pedestrians. Only 6% of fatalities were school bus passengers, while 4% were bus drivers.

The breakdown regarding injuries adjusts slightly: 52% of those hurt were occupants of other vehicles, followed by 34% who were passengers on the bus and 9% who were drivers. These statistics reveal a consistent reality; while buses are built to protect their occupants, those around them often suffer the worst.

What Time of Day Are School Bus Fatalities Most Likely to Occur?

Many fatal school bus accidents occur in the morning and afternoon during times when students are being picked up or dropped off. Distractions, low visibility, and impatient drivers all contribute. It’s a dangerous mix—buses making frequent stops, children crossing roads, and commuters in a hurry.

Parents, guardians, and drivers should treat these times with heightened caution. Knowing what time of day are school bus fatalities most likely to occur can make a huge difference in prevention.

At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.

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School Bus Seat Belt Laws and Their Impact on Safety

California is one of the few states requiring seat belts on school buses. Some school buses manufactured after specific dates are equipped with three-point seat belts, and there are plans to expand that requirement across the state.

While seat belts can’t prevent crashes, they drastically reduce the severity of injuries. School districts are responsible for ensuring proper seat belt usage, but compliance varies. Still, this added layer of protection contributes to California’s relatively low fatality rate compared to larger states.

School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Regulations

One overlooked but vital tool in improving safety is the stop-arm camera. These devices record vehicles illegally passing a stopped school bus, a common and dangerous violation.

Some school districts in California have installed stop-arm cameras, and a few cities, such as Los Angeles, have launched pilot programs. While there may not be a uniform statewide policy, local authorities have explored this technology to hold drivers accountable and improve student safety.

Expanding stop-arm cameras could help reduce the number of tragic incidents during those crucial boarding and exiting times.

Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights

Bus crashes involving school children are emotionally devastating and legally complex. These aren’t minor fender benders; they involve multiple parties, including school districts, insurance providers, and often third-party contractors.

At Glotzer & Leib, we help families in Burbank navigate the legal aftermath of school transportation incidents with care and clarity. These incidents often happen during high-risk windows; something that aligns with the question of what time of day are school bus fatalities most likely to occur. Call us today at 747-241-8288 or visit us at 1023 N Hollywood Way Suite 202, Burbank, CA 91505.