In 2024, the United States saw a troubling rise in bus accidents, with over 13,000 incidents reported nationwide.
Perhaps even more striking than the sheer volume is this fact: 73% of victims in these crashes were not bus passengers, but occupants of other vehicles or vulnerable road users.
This statistic challenges widespread assumptions about who is at greatest risk on the road when buses are involved.
The Scope of Bus Accidents in 2024
Recent data reveals 13,452 bus accidents occurred in the US during 2024. Among these, 171 resulted in fatalities, with 203 people losing their lives. While buses are often thought of as safe modes of transportation for their passengers, the numbers tell a different story about the dangers posed to everyone else on the road.
Analysis shows roughly 84% of those killed in bus-related crashes were not on the bus itself. Whether it’s a school bus, city bus, or coach, the trend remains the same: the majority of serious injuries and deaths affect people in other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
Why Are Other Drivers and Road Users Most at Risk?
The Physics of Bus Collisions
Buses are among the largest vehicles on the road, weighing many times more than the average car or SUV. When collisions occur, the laws of physics mean smaller vehicles and their occupants absorb more force. As a result, occupants of these vehicles are far more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries, while bus passengers—protected by the bus’s size and structure—are often less affected.
Who Are the Victims?
Data from recent years shows that in school bus crashes alone, 71% of those killed were in other vehicles. Pedestrians accounted for 16% of deaths, making those outside the bus much more vulnerable. Only about 6% of fatalities were bus passengers. The pattern is similar for city and intercity buses, where multi-vehicle crashes dominate the statistics.
Why Are Multi-Vehicle Crashes So Common?
Most bus accidents involve more than one vehicle. In fact, 73% of buses in fatal crashes in 2024 were involved in collisions with other vehicles. Buses’ large blind spots, difficulty with rapid braking, and wide turns can all contribute to situations where multiple cars are involved—and in these events, it’s almost always the smaller vehicle that fares worse.
Regional Differences in Bus Accident Rates
Where Are Bus Accidents Most Common?
States with large populations and major urban centers report the highest rate of bus accidents. Texas topped the list for total bus crashes in 2024, with Florida, New York, Illinois, and California following closely behind. Each of these states also recorded high numbers of injuries, particularly for those not traveling on the bus.
The Persistent School Bus Problem
School buses are often seen as the safest vehicles on the road, but the data suggests the real risk is to others. Between 2013 and 2022, 71% of fatalities in school bus crashes were occupants of other vehicles, with only 6% being bus passengers. Children waiting at bus stops and crossing the street are also part of this vulnerable group.
The Broader Impacts of Bus Accidents
Economic and Social Costs
Bus crashes create ripple effects far beyond the immediate victims. Traffic congestion, emergency response, medical care, and lost productivity are just some of the broader costs. Families dealing with injuries or fatalities face sudden emotional and financial burdens.
Legal and Insurance Complications
Victims of bus accidents often struggle with complex insurance claims and liability issues. When multiple parties are involved—public transit authorities, private bus companies, and several drivers—responsibility can be difficult to untangle. This is why many victims seek out a Houston bus accident lawyer to help navigate the aftermath and secure compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Preventing Bus Accidents and Reducing Non-Passenger Injuries
Investing in Roadway Safety
Government agencies and safety organizations are pushing for safer road designs, better traffic signals, and enhanced crosswalks. These measures can reduce the risk of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions involving buses.
Better Training for Bus Drivers
Bus drivers receive specialized training, but experts argue for more comprehensive education—especially in crowded urban environments. Defensive driving techniques and regular skills assessments could help reduce the number of accidents, especially those involving right turns, lane changes, and blind spots.
Advanced Vehicle Technology
Modern buses increasingly feature technology designed to prevent accidents, such as collision avoidance systems, 360-degree cameras, and automatic emergency braking. Wider adoption of these features, along with continued research into innovative safety systems, could further reduce risk for everyone on the road.
Public Awareness and Law Enforcement
Public awareness campaigns remind drivers to be cautious around buses, particularly in school zones and urban settings. Increased enforcement of traffic laws—like stopping for school buses or yielding at crosswalks—can also prevent tragic incidents.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in a Bus Accident?
Seek Medical Attention First
The moments after a bus accident are critical, especially for those in smaller vehicles. Victims should seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first, as some symptoms take time to appear.
Document the Scene
Take photos, gather witness information, and keep records of all communications with bus companies and insurance adjusters. This documentation is vital for any potential claims.
Contact a Legal Professional
Bus accident cases can be complex. If you’re injured, especially as an occupant of another vehicle or a pedestrian, reaching out to a qualified bus accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve and ensure your rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are so many victims of bus accidents not passengers? Because buses are larger and heavier, they inflict severe damage on smaller vehicles in collisions. Most bus accidents involve multiple vehicles, putting other drivers and vulnerable road users at greater risk.
- Which states have the most bus accidents? Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, and California consistently report the most bus accidents due to their large populations and heavy traffic volumes.
- What percentage of bus accident victims are pedestrians or cyclists? While the majority of non-passenger victims are other vehicle occupants, approximately 16% of fatalities in school bus crashes are pedestrians or cyclists.
- What steps can other drivers take to stay safe around buses? Drivers should keep a safe distance from buses, avoid lingering in blind spots, and be especially cautious when buses are turning or changing lanes.
- Who can help if I’m injured in a bus accident that wasn’t my fault? Consulting a Houston bus accident lawyer can help you navigate complex legal and insurance issues and seek fair compensation.
