When we think about traveling, two options usually come to mind: driving or flying. But there’s a third mode of transportation that’s often overlooked and it can be one of the most affordable and convenient ways to get around. We’re talking about bus travel! (Sure, trains are an option too, but that’s a topic for another post.)
From everyday public transportation to cross-country Greyhound road trips, buses can look like a smart pick for families. The question is: how safe are they? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
20 Bus Travel Safety Tips for Local and Long Distance Trips
We’ve talked about school buses several times in the past. Despite not having seatbelts, they’re one of the safest vehicles on the road due to their special “compartmentalizing” seat design. If you’re curious about that, check out our post: Are School Buses Safe?
So, are city and intercity buses designed with the same safety features as school buses? Not exactly. Their construction is pretty different, though that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re less safe.
Here’s what you need to know:
Is it Safe to Travel by Bus?
Yes, traveling by bus is generally safe. Airplanes and trains are still the safest ways to travel, but riding a bus is about 50 times safer than being in a car. Let’s break down the statistics:
- Motor Vehicle Fatality Rate: 1.33 deaths per 100 million miles traveled by car
- RV and Campervan Fatality Rate: 0.44 deaths per 100 million miles traveled by motorhome
- School Bus Fatality Rate: 0.2 per 100 million miles traveled by school bus
- City/Intercity Bus Fatality Rate: 0.1 deaths per 100 million miles traveled by bus
- Locomotive Fatality Rate: 0.043 deaths per 100 million miles traveled by train
- Air Travel Fatality Rate: 0.003 deaths per 100 million miles traveled by plane
If you noticed, school bus riders are actually at a slightly higher risk than passengers on city or intercity buses. However, public and long-distance buses don’t use the same “compartmentalization” design as school buses, and seatbelts aren’t always standard. So, how are they just as safe?
They’re statistically just as safe for a few reasons. First, buses feature large, heavy frames that absorb most of the crash impact. They also have a low center of gravity, which makes rollovers far less likely.
On top of that, they usually travel at slower speeds, provide better visibility, and undergo routine safety inspections. Drivers are also specially trained, and since 2016, intercity buses have been required to include seatbelts.
Altogether, this makes buses a relatively safe way to travel. Of course, air travel still holds the top spot as the safest form of transportation, with fatalities occurring in only about 1 in 33 billion miles traveled. But when it comes to local trips or affordable cross-country travel, buses are a strong, safe choice for families.
How to Stay Safe on the Bus with Kids
How to Stay Safe on City Buses with Kids
At the Bus Stop:
- Hold hands or use a safety harness on your kids while waiting for the bus at bus stops.
- Plan for your stroller if you’re bringing it on. Some buses will require you to fold it, while others allow you to use the ramp.
- Follow right behind your kids as they enter the bus, rather than having them trail behind.
While on the Bus:
- Sit in the front, closest to the driver. Most collisions are on the side or rear of the bus, so this puts your family farthest away from potential harm.
- Place children near the window and adults in the aisle. This creates a buffer between your child and moving passengers.
- Avoid using the standing area with kids. During sudden stops, they could fall, and it’s the most dangerous spot on the bus during a collision.
- Keep your valuables close at all times. If your child has valuables or sentimental items, hold on to those yourself while on the bus.
- Teach kids about safety around strangers. Remind them never to accept items or offers and to generally avoid talking with other adults without you.
When You Exit:
- Practice what to do when you get off the bus. Kids should exit close behind you and hold your hand as soon as their feet hit the pavement. This way, they won’t run off or out in front of the bus.
How to Stay Safe on Intercity Buses with Kids
Before You Leave:
- Ensure your bus is equipped with seatbelts. All intercity buses manufactured after 2016 must include seatbelts. Confirm your bus has them, because we only advocate for long-distance bus travel with kids if seatbelts are available.
- Install your child’s car seat on the bus. City buses usually move at slower speeds and cover short distances, which makes them relatively safe even without a car seat. Intercity buses, on the other hand, travel long distances at highway speeds so a car seat is non-negotiable. To secure one properly, you’ll need a seatbelt, which is why it’s important to confirm your bus was manufactured after the 2016 seatbelt mandate.
- Arrive early to get a seat in the middle, near exits. Sitting in the middle keeps your family away from the front and back of the bus, where crashes are most common. Being close to the exits also means you can evacuate quickly in an emergency, like a fire or collision. On top of that, the middle is the most stable part of the ride, which helps reduce motion sickness in children.
While on the Bus:
- Keep your valuables with you at all times. Your ID, boarding pass, wallet, medications, and other valuables and essentials should be in a small bag with you.
- Plan for potential motion sickness. Even if you haven’t dealt with motion sickness before, the new form of transport could stir things up. Here’s how to get rid of car sickness if it happens.
- Pack for accidents and emergencies. Plan ahead for common travel issues, including motion sickness, dead phone batteries, minor cuts or scrapes, allergic reactions, bus delays, and potty accidents.
- Create a potty plan for the bus and rest stops. If you’re traveling with young children, plan how you’ll handle potty breaks on and off the bus.
At Designated Bus Stops:
- Stay together at rest stops. Even if you have older kids, it’s just as important that they don’t exit and return on their own. Make sure everyone stays close and accounted for at all times.
- Double-check bus numbers before re-boarding. There are often several similar-looking buses at rest stops. Check your bus number before getting back on.
- Hold hands or use a safety harness. Any time you’re exiting the bus or walking to the lavatory, hold your child’s hand or have them connected to a safety harness.
- Talk with your kids about what to do if separated. Things happen, so properly preparing your child in case they become separated is key to avoiding stress and panic. Tell them to stay put, identify a safe adult (like the bus driver), and ask for help. Also, confirm they know your name, phone number, and destination.
Traveling by bus can be a safe, budget-friendly option for local or long-distance travel.
Traveling with kids always makes getting from point A to point B more challenging. There’s no way around it! That’s why safety should come first, even before convenience, budget, or comfort. Choosing the safest travel option for your family ensures a smoother, worry-free journey. We hope this post helped you decide how you’ll reach your next destination!
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