What safety feature contributes significantly to the overall safety of school buses?

The safety of school buses is heavily influenced by the safe design and proper training of drivers. School buses are engineered with features such as reinforced bodies, high visibility, and compartmentalization, which enhance their safety during an accident. Additionally, the training of drivers plays a crucial role in ensuring that they understand safety protocols, how to handle emergency situations, and how to manage the behavior of students while boarding and disembarking the bus.

These elements together create a safer environment for transporting school children, as they prepare drivers to respond appropriately to various situations and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Designated drop-off zones do contribute to safety, but they rely on the proper execution of driver training to be effective. Therefore, the focus on driver training and the inherent design of the bus is a fundamental component of school bus safety.