Page 42 - The EDGE Fall 2022

School Vehicle Accidents Are Costly – Often Preventable

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route back and that’s’ where they find themselves in crossing – not paying attention. Maybe they have
these situations.” to get back for a meeting.”

Topping the list in order of severity is an unsafe speed Detailed examples of claims paid in the past five years
for a school vehicle. Transportation departments include: collision with fixed object, $2,692,883; stuck
should have policies and procedures regarding speed, parked auto, $1,115,072; unsafe turn, $1,791,152;
Nelson said. Speeds will vary between city and backing, $519,934; unsafe speed, $3,748,023; and
rural school districts. It’s OK to give drivers a little oncoming vehicle collision, $3,182,581.
flexibility, allowing them to go a couple of miles over
the speed limit to keep up with traffic. To mitigate some of those losses, Nelson
recommended:
But Nelson cautioned: “There is no reason to be in a • Request a district loss report from your
hurry. You don’t want to be a traffic hazard when you insurance provider.
have 60 kids behind you.” • Implement monthly safety meetings with staff
to review loss trends and consider training
Other incidents in order of severity include: school opportunities.
vehicle collision with an oncoming vehicle; collision • Provide post-accident refresher training.
with a fixed object; school vehicle rear-ended by • Incorporate proper driving techniques for
another vehicle; collision due to an unsafe turn; turning and backing during annual department
struck a parked auto; and a collision when backing. sessions.
• Create an accident review committee.
The four examples that overlap with most frequent
were: collision with a fixed object; struck a parked The review committee provides a second set of eyes
auto; unsafe turn; and backing up. They make up to view a video of what happened, Nelson said. Then
66% of at-fault claims paid in the past five years, bring the driver in to explain. The bottom line: “Was
according to Nelson. it preventable?”

Causes include distraction, improper mirror usage, Nelson also recommended teaching drivers how to
and other motorists. Nelson recommended training properly set mirrors as part of monthly safety review
drivers how to use the mirror. Regarding accidents and creating a mini-obstacle course, especially for
caused by other drivers he said, “We have to contend bus drivers returning to work after months away
with them when they come into our lane.” during summer break.

Nelson mentioned unintentional blindness – the
mind is somewhere else. “The mind only sees Jason Nelson can be reached at: (602) 222-2110 or
jnelson@the-trust.org
what your mind want to see,” he said. “This is a
big one, especially for bus drivers. They might
Gabby Kuziak can be reached at: (928) 373-3465 or
have railroads in their district and they blow past a gkuzniak@craneschools.org

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42 THE EDGE FALL 2022