What is the major cause of bus accidents in Mississippi?

The major cause of bus accidents in Mississippi is related to driver distraction. Distractions can come from various sources—such as mobile devices, conversations with passengers, or unexpected events occurring outside the bus—that can lead drivers to lose focus on the road. In a school bus context, maintaining attention is critical, given the size of the bus and the inherent responsibilities of transporting children safely.

While backing without assistance can certainly be risky and potentially lead to accidents, driver distraction encompasses a broader range of behaviors that contribute more significantly to overall accident rates. Weather conditions can also play a role, but they are typically less predictable than the human factors involved in distraction. Pupil behavior, though important to manage for maintaining safety, does not directly contribute to the majority of bus accidents as much as the lack of attention from the driver during operation. Understanding the role of distractions in driving safety can help in implementing better strategies for accident prevention on school buses.