Probability of Dying in a Bus Accident
1 in 96,000
Lifetime probability in US
The lifetime odds of dying as a bus occupant in a crash are approximately 1 in 96,000. Buses are among the safest ground transportation modes.
Bus travel is one of the safest forms of ground transportation. The estimated lifetime odds of dying as a bus occupant in a crash are approximately 1 in 96,000 according to NHTSA data analysis. On average, about 20-30 bus occupants die in crashes per year in the US, despite billions of passenger trips.
The safety of buses comes from their large size and mass (providing crash protection), professional drivers, regulated maintenance requirements, and relatively low speeds in urban settings. School buses in particular have an excellent safety record, with an average of only 4-6 school-bus-occupant fatalities per year, making them about 70 times safer per mile than a passenger car for children.
Bus safety continues to improve through requirements for seat belts on motorcoaches (now mandated for new buses), electronic stability control, fire suppression systems, and enhanced structural standards. Passengers can improve their safety by remaining seated while the bus is moving, using seatbelts when available, noting emergency exit locations, and following driver instructions.
Use This in a Decision
Plug this probability into our expected value calculator to make a data-driven decision.
Start a Decision