Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Every school day, thousands of children across Oklahoma rely on the school bus to get to and from class. While the ride itself is usually safe, the most significant risks often happen when kids are getting on or off the bus. That’s when they’re most exposed to careless drivers who fail to stop—even when the bus’sThe lights are blinking, and the stop arm is outstretched.
These moments have led to serious injuries and, in some cases, heartbreaking loss. New safety technology is now being tested to help prevent these types of accidents before they occur.
Every day in Tulsa and across Oklahoma, children board school buses expecting a routine ride. While buses themselves are well-equipped for safety, one of the most serious risks happens outside the vehicle. Children are often hit while crossing the street, especially when other drivers ignore extended stop arms or flashing lights.
On average, about 21% of school bus-related fatalities involve people outside the bus—typically children crossing the street. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
This makes pedestrian safety just as important as seat belts and reinforced bus frames.
Under Oklahoma law, drivers must stop when approaching a school bus that is boarding or offloading. Its passengers. Its passengers. Students. The stop arm and flashing red lights are not suggestions—they’re legal requirements.
If a driver fails to stop for a school bus with its stop sign arm extended, they may face fines, license suspension, or criminal charges under Oklahoma Statute 47 O.S. §11-705.
Still, distracted or impatient drivers often pass stopped buses. These violations can lead to devastating consequences, particularly when young children are involved.
In response to the growing concern about stop-arm violations, new safety tools are being tested nationwide. One example is the Predictive Stop Arm (PSA) created by Safe Fleet.
This system utilizes radar to measure the speed of nearby vehicles and their distance from a stopped school bus. If it predicts that the driver won’t stop in time, the system alerts the bus driver and students with both visual and audio warnings.
It prevents the child from ever stepping out into the roadway when the system predicts the motorist will not stop. — Derrick Agate, Hopkins School District Director of Transportation.
Another tool from the same company, the Right-Hand Danger Zone Protection System, helps monitor areas around the bus where children often walk. It warns the driver if someone is too close or at risk.
These technologies are already being tested in school districts, including Hopkins Public Schools in Minnesota. While still in the pilot phase, they show promise in preventing serious injuries.
Unlike traditional stop arms that rely solely on driver attention and obedience, PSA adds a proactive layer of safety. It gives the bus driver real-time alerts and helps prevent children from stepping into danger. This is especially helpful in low-visibility conditions or areas with heavy traffic.
PSA is not a replacement for careful driving, but it helps support safety by warning of potential risks before an accident occurs. Safe Fleet’s tools also help schools improve their transportation protocols and hold drivers accountable when they fail to stop.
When a child is hurt in a school bus-related accident, the driver who failed to stop may be held legally responsible. However, in some cases, there may be other liable parties, as well.
If a school district failed to train its drivers or maintain safe bus stops properly, they could share responsibility. Similarly, if a third-party transportation contractor was involved, they might also be held accountable.
Every situation is different, and liability depends on the facts of the case. Speed, weather conditions, driver behavior, and road design can all play a role.
A bus-related injury can be life-changing for a child. Common injuries include head trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and emotional distress.
Parents should understand that Oklahoma law generally allows two years from the date of an incident to file a personal injury claim. For minors, this deadline may be extended—but the sooner a claim is investigated, the better.
Preserving evidence is crucial. This may include photos from the scene, eyewitness accounts, video footage from bus cameras, and records from the school district.
Category | Oklahoma Law (47 O.S. §11-705) | Predictive Stop Arm (PSA) Technology |
| Requirement for Drivers | Must stop when bus displays stop arm | N/A (Targets nearby vehicles, not drivers) |
| Penalty for Violations | Fines, license points, possible jail | N/A |
| Warning Capabilities | None (relies on driver awareness) | Audible and visual alerts for children |
| Driver Decision Support | No | Yes (warns bus driver in real-time) |
| Child Movement Monitoring | No | Yes (via Right-Hand Danger Zone system) |
Seek immediate medical care, document the accident scene, and speak to an attorney with experience in school transportation cases. Preserving evidence early is key to building a strong legal claim.
Not always. It depends on whether the child crossed lawfully and if the driver ignored stop signals. Other factors, such as road conditions or school bus design, may also be reviewed.
Yes, in some cases. If a lack of supervision, defective equipment, or poor planning contributed to the accident, the school district or a third-party transportation company may be held liable.
Typically, two years from the date of the incident. However, for minors, the timeline may be extended. It’s best to act quickly to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Many school buses are equipped with internal and external cameras. This footage can be essential for proving fault. An attorney can help request this footage before it’s deleted or overwritten.
It uses radar to assess nearby vehicles and warns when it looks like a driver won’t stop. This helps keep children from crossing the road when it’s not safe.
School buses are designed to keep children safe, but danger often lies just beyond the curb. When drivers fail to follow the law and stop for school buses, the risk of tragedy rises. New technology, such as the Predictive Stop Arm system, offers an additional tool for school districts seeking to protect children before it’s too late.
If your child has been hurt in a bus-related accident, it’s essential to understand your legal options. The attorneys at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers have experience handling complex child injury and pedestrian cases in Tulsa. They can help you make informed decisions and take the proper steps forward.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
