Frequenty Asked Questions 

How safe are school buses?
According to the National Safety Council, school buses are the safest form of ground transportation.

For more information on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), go to www.nhtsa.gov or see the Fact Sheet.

Why don't buses have seat belts?
School bus crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that a requirement for seat belts on buses would provide little, if any, added protection in a crash.  Rather than seat belts, NHTSA determined that the best way to provide crash protection for passengers is through a concept called "compartmentalization."

What is compartmentalization?
Compartmentalization requires that the interior of large school buses provide protection for children without the need to buckle up.  Occupant crash protection is provided by a protective envelope consisting of strong, closely spaced seats that have energy-absorbing seat backs.

Who is driving my child?
Henry County does background checks and motor vehicle reports on all prospective drivers.  Employed drivers are subject to a motor vehicle check three times annually and must have a Commercial Driver's License. (CDL).   Drivers must maintain an outstanding driving record both in their personal vehicles and in commercial vehicles and buses.  School bus drivers receive more training than do most other commercial vehicle operators.  During summer months, drivers attend classes on driver and vehicle safety and first aid.  Throughout the school year, they meet with other drivers periodically to discuss safety and traffic issues.  All bus drivers must pass an annual physical, drug testing and attend an annual State Department of Education meeting.  All drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing on a monthly basis.  

What is the number of people who can safely sit on a school bus seat?
Most of the buses operated by Henry County Schools are 72-passenger buses.  Some routes are assigned a 90-passenger bus.  School buses are designed to accommodate 3 students per seat.  The passenger capacity of special education buses varies according to student needs.   

Why do some buses have children standing up in the aisle?
Although State guidelines state that a school bus can have no more than 20% of the buses occupancy standing up, Henry County's policy is for each child to have a seat.  

What does Henry County do to ensure my child's bus is safe?
Buses are inspected monthly by bus mechanics and annually by the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.  The DMV also randomly selects buses for inspection on a routine basis.

How do I have my child's bus stop changed?
Contact the route supervisor for your child's high school attendance zone and explain the change that you would like to have made.  The route supervisor will examine the current route and the change request, then notify the parent and the driver of any changes to the route.