School boards and administrators must make continuing efforts to educate and encourage their teachers in basic safety habits. (Author)

Safety has not been stressed adequately in most school systems, leaving students and teachers in unnecessary danger and schools subject to lawsuits. Creation of an effective school safety program involves establishing a written safety policy, appointing an active safety committee, and conducting safety inspections. (PGD)

Compares and contrasts two recent court cases concerning injuries to school children resulting from a lack of adult supervision. Although in Louisiana the courts awarded financial compensation to the family of the injured child, North Carolina courts dismissed the claims of a similar suit. (JBM)

Examines critically the National Transportation Safety Board's post-1977 school bus standards, which encourage but do not require seat belts. (JBM)

Bus disaster drills have been held all over country for years. A drill in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, taught officials important lessons: (1) keep roster of students and stops in designated area on bus, and ensure emergency workers know where location; (2) send at least three school officials to accident scene; (3) provide school officials with…

This article describes programs successfully combating drunk driving among teenagers in Maine, Virginia, and New York, discusses the nationwide movement called Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD), anti-drunk driving legislation, and the need for increased alcohol education, and provides information on how to emphasize student sobriety and safety…

A 2-year-old drunk-driving program developed in the Deer Park, New York, public schools has included a week-long campaign addressing Deer Park high school students and an "awareness week" meeting for parents. Both events made extensive use of experts and audiovisual aids. Information for obtaining the latter is provided. (JBM)

New school bus safety guidelines went into effect last May. The safety measures are voluntary and their purpose is to help state officials as they review school bus standards. Summarizes accident statistics and briefly describes some of the more serious accidents involving school buses. (MLF)

A March 1982 Jonesboro, Arkansas, school bus accident in which nine people were killed has rekindled the debate over school bus safety, says the author. The article discusses briefly the opposition historically between school bus manufacturers and safety advocates and presents cost-benefit arguments concerning mandatory seat-belt installation.…

In Fox River Grove, Illinois, 7 teenagers were killed the morning of October 25, 1995, when a 620-ton commuter train crashed into the rear end of their school bus. School, transportation, and safety officials have focused on three areas: train crossings and signals, bus-driver training, and school-bus construction. Lists 10 vital lessons for…

Preventing accidents in the first place should be the goal of school transportation directors. To do this, and limit liability, a district must (1) have a strong driver-training program; (2) check drivers' records and references; (3) provide and record maintenance of the bus fleet; and (4) spell out operating and training opportunities in…

Presents five arguments against requiring seat belts on school buses, including the need for better trained drivers, the danger that students will be trapped by seat belts in emergencies, and other problems relating to practicality and cost. Included is an editorial insert indicating how safety advocates respond to such objections. (JBM)

Looks at some of the current requirements for school bus safety under Standard 17 developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (Author/WM)

School bus safety includes the development of safe drivers as well as student awareness. Outlines the McDowell County schools' (North Carolina) bus safety program. Includes discussion of whether high school students should drive school buses. (MD)

Almost a quarter of disabling work injuries among school employees are caused by slips and falls. Outlines prevention steps and safety programs that can help lower the possibilities of accidents from falls in schools. (MD)