School Bus Accident Protocol

 

   Southfield Public Schools

Protocol: School Bus Accident Response

Effective Date: October 29, 2025
Responsible Department: Transportation Services/Office of the Superintendent
Reviewed: October 29, 2025

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1. Purpose

This protocol establishes uniform procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff, timely communication, and appropriate documentation following any accident involving a district-operated or contracted school bus.

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2. Scope

Applies to all school buses transporting Southfield Public Schools students, whether operated by district employees or transportation vendors under contract, during regular routes, field trips, athletic events, or any other district-related travel.

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3. Definition of an Accident

A “bus accident” includes any incident in which:

• A bus collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object;
• The bus leaves the roadway;
• A passenger (student, staff, or parent) or driver sustains injury on or around the bus; or
• Property damage occurs while transporting students.

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4. Immediate Actions at the Scene

Driver Responsibilities

1. Ensure Safety:
   • Stop immediately, secure the bus, and activate hazard lights.
   • Evacuate passengers if fire, smoke, or imminent danger – using designated emergency exits.
   • Do not move the bus unless directed by law enforcement or required for safety.
2. Assess for Injuries:
   • Check the condition of all passengers and the driver.
   • Account for (the number of) all passengers.
   • Contact 911 for medical or police assistance if any injury or significant damage is suspected.
   • If necessary, administer first aid within the person’s training/skill level.
   • Do not move anyone who appears to be seriously injured.
   • Keep students calm.
3. Notify Dispatch:
   • Call the Transportation Dispatcher immediately, providing:
     • Bus number, location (street/cross streets), route number
     • Number of passengers on board
     • Description of the accident and any injuries
4. Follow Dispatcher Directions:
   • Remain with students unless emergency responders direct otherwise.
   • Do not discuss fault or liability with anyone other than law enforcement or district officials.
5. Addressing Parents:
   • Any parents/adults that come to the accident scene to pick up students must present ID and be authorized to pick up the student by dispatch (based on MiStar verification), Superintendent or designee.
   • If an adult was sent by the parent to pick up a student, and is not listed in MiStar, then we need verbal or written authorization (text/email) from the parent authorizing the student’s release to the adult. 

Dispatcher Responsibilities

1. Call Emergency Services (if not already done by the driver).
2. Notify in the following order:
   • Transportation Supervisor
   • Superintendent or designee
   • Building Principal(s) of the students involved
3. Deploy the Transportation Supervisor to the accident scene.

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5. On-Site District Response

Field Supervisor

• Respond immediately to the scene.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
• Assist with student accountability and ensure parents/guardians are notified.
• Oversee transfer of students to another bus, if necessary.
• Complete the preliminary Incident Report.

District-Level Official

• A district-level official (such as the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, or designee) shall report to the scene of any school bus accident involving injury, student transport, or significant property damage.
• The official will serve as the district’s on-site representative, liaising with emergency services, media, and families.
• The official will ensure consistent communication between the scene and district leadership and oversee post-incident support.
• Notify Communications/PR Office.

Building Principal(s)

• Prepare to receive students at the school.
• The building principal or designee will contact parents/guardians of all students involved to confirm safety, provide accurate information, and offer support.
• Coordinate emotional support for any students involved.
• Manage communications with families in collaboration with the Communications Office.

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6. Communications and Notifications

• Parents/Guardians:
  • Must be notified of any accident involving their child as soon as possible.
  • Parent notifications will be made by the building principal or designee, after verification of student safety and under the direction of district administration.
• Media Inquiries:
  • All statements to the press must be handled by the Communications Office or the Superintendent’s designee.
  • Staff should not post or discuss accident details on social media.
• Board of Education Notification:
  • The Superintendent will notify the Board President within two hours of any accident involving injury or significant damage.

 

• If the media is on-site:
• The bus driver will keep all students on-board as long as it is safe to do so.
• The bus driver radios to dispatch that media is in fact on-site. 
• Dispatch will immediately alert:
  • Transportation Supervisor
  • Superintendent or Superintendent designee 
• The Superintendent or Superintendent designee will notify the Communications office.
• The communications office will report to the scene and engage the media. 
• Only authorized spokespeople may be interviewed by the media on behalf of the district.

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7. Post-Incident Procedures

• The Transportation Director will:
  1. Conduct an internal review within 24 hours.
  2. Ensure completion of all accident and injury reports.
  3. Forward completed reports to the Office of the Superintendent, Business Office, and insurance provider within 48 hours.
  4. Arrange for driver drug/alcohol testing as required by law.
  5. Hold a debrief meeting with the driver and supervisor.
• Counseling Services:

• School counselors and social workers will be made available for students and staff as needed.

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8. Documentation

All the following must be completed within 48 hours:

• Bus Accident Report
• Driver Statement
• Student Passenger Roster
• Police/EMS Reports (if applicable)
• Parent Notification Log
• Insurance/Claims Form

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9. Training and Review

• Annual transportation safety training shall include review of this protocol.
• Post-incident evaluations will be used to refine and strengthen procedures.
• Annual transportation review meeting will be held with the Superintendent and/or designee, following the end of the school year, no later than June 30th.

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10. References

• Michigan Department of Education: Pupil Transportation Safety Requirements
• Michigan Motor Vehicle Code
• District Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

 

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