School Trip Safety: Most Pedestrian Fatalities Occur Away From Intersections

When we think about school transportation safety, our minds often go straight to the school bus itself. However, a recent analysis from Millar Law Firm, drawing on federal data, brings to light a critical aspect of student safety that extends beyond the bus ride: the journey children take on foot to and from their stops or school. The study, which analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 2015 through 2024, reveals that a significant majority—66%—of school-age pedestrian deaths in school-transportation-related crashes occurred away from intersections.

This finding is particularly impactful as National School Bus Safety Week, observed October 19-23, 2026, encourages a focus on the safety of student commutes. While school buses remain a very safe mode of transport, the data from Millar Law Firm emphasizes that the moments children spend walking to the bus stop, waiting for the bus, crossing the road, and getting on or off are often when they are most vulnerable.

Understanding the Data: Where the Risk Lies

The Millar Law Firm’s analysis of NHTSA FARS data from 2015 through 2024 is consistent with NHTSA’s own report covering 2014 through 2023, both showing the 66% figure for pedestrian deaths away from intersections. In contrast, only 27% (Millar Law Firm) or 28% (NHTSA) of these fatalities happened at intersections, which are typically equipped with traffic signals, crosswalks, or crossing guards designed to enhance safety.

This consistent pattern across nearly two decades of data suggests that the areas outside of designated crossings are where children on foot face the most significant risks. These could be stretches of road where children walk without sidewalks, wait beside moving traffic, or need to cross streets without the benefit of a signal or dedicated crossing assistance.

The study also breaks down school-zone pedestrian involvement by jurisdiction, offering a nuanced view of where risks are highest:

• Delaware recorded the highest school-zone pedestrian involvement rate nationally at 1.313 per 1 million residents, with 13 raw involvements over ten years.
• Washington, D.C. ranked second, with a rate of 0.581 per 1 million residents and 4 raw involvements.
• Connecticut, while having a lower rate (0.416 per 1 million residents), recorded the largest raw count among the top four jurisdictions with 15 pedestrian involvements.
• Wyoming showed a rate of 0.345 per 1 million residents, with 2 raw involvements.

It's important to note that these figures represent involvement counts in fatal school-zone crashes, not necessarily unique deaths, but they highlight areas where children on foot are at greater risk.

Beyond the Bus Stop: The Full Commute

The findings encourage a broader perspective on student safety, urging parents, educators, and community planners to consider the entire journey a child makes. While many focus on safety at the school gates, this data points to the routes between home and the bus stop or school as critical areas for attention.

NHTSA guidance already advises minimizing bus stops that require children to cross the road and avoiding stops that necessitate crossing three or more lanes. It also recommends evaluating visibility, walking paths, road design, and designated waiting areas. The Millar Law Firm’s analysis reinforces the importance of these guidelines, suggesting that adherence to such recommendations could significantly impact student safety.

The study also reveals that the nature of risk varies by location. For example, while Delaware faces a higher rate of pedestrian involvement, Indiana led the school-zone vehicle measure with 40 involvements over ten years. North Dakota, interestingly, ranked fifth for school-zone vehicle involvement but recorded no pedestrian involvement cases, illustrating how different states present different safety challenges.

For students needing to understand complex safety guidelines or local traffic regulations, COSMIQ offers free voice-driven AI tutoring, available free forever for every K-12 student. It can help learners grasp important safety concepts and even explore state-specific information relevant to their daily commutes. Students can also find support for various subjects and test preparation through the free practice hub by grade and subject.

Practical Steps for Families and Schools

Understanding where these risks lie empowers communities to take proactive steps:

• Evaluate Bus Stop Locations: School districts can review their current bus stop placements, especially those that require children to cross roads without adequate protection. Decisions about bus stop locations can be mapped and re-evaluated based on safety data.
• Promote Pedestrian Safety Education: Educating children about safe walking practices, such as looking both ways, avoiding distractions, and walking on sidewalks or facing traffic when sidewalks are absent, is crucial.
• Advocate for Infrastructure Improvements: Parents and community members can advocate for improved pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks, well-marked crosswalks, and traffic calming measures in areas where children frequently walk.
• Increase Awareness for Drivers: Campaigns reminding drivers to be extra vigilant in residential areas and near bus stops, especially during school commute times, can help reduce risks.

The Millar Law Firm’s analysis, drawing on robust federal data, provides valuable insights that can help inform these efforts. By focusing on the specific locations and circumstances where most pedestrian fatalities occur, communities can work towards creating safer environments for all students as they travel to and from school.

Conclusion

The finding that 66% of school-age pedestrian deaths in school-transportation-related crashes happen away from intersections is a stark reminder that student safety is a multifaceted issue. It extends beyond the school bus itself, encompassing the entire journey children undertake on foot. By paying close attention to these often-overlooked stretches of road and implementing thoughtful safety measures, communities can significantly improve the well-being of their youngest pedestrians.