The Urgent Need for School Bus Safety Reform: Another Tragic Wake-Up Call

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, just weeks into the school year, a tragic yet preventable accident in Woodland Park, New Jersey, highlighted the ongoing safety failures within the state’s school bus system. An eighth-grade student was struck by a vehicle after being dropped off at an unauthorized location by a private school bus contractor. While the 13-year-old survived, she sustained life-altering injuries—injuries that could have been avoided had safety protocols been followed.

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A Systemic Failure in School Bus Safety

The designated drop-off point for the student was directly in front of her home, a measure put in place to prevent her from crossing the busy Weaseldrift Road. However, despite explicit instructions sent to the private bus company, Student Transportation of America (STA), the driver left her at a dangerous intersection. The bus company’s failure to adhere to safety protocols is just one example of a deeply flawed system.

School transportation in New Jersey has long been plagued by negligence, with private contractors often skirting safety regulations. A 2020 investigation by The Record and Asbury Park Press exposed the widespread lack of oversight, minimal background checks, and a pattern of regulatory noncompliance. As a result, children’s lives are frequently put at risk.

Legislative Action: Progress and Delays

In response to these alarming findings, state legislators passed 11 new laws aimed at improving school bus safety. These included requiring three-point seat belts in new school buses, stricter medical clearances for drivers, and stronger verification processes for driver qualifications. However, two critical laws, including one mandating a study of best practices, have faced years of implementation delays.

One key legislative move was the creation of the Office of School Bus Safety, signed into law in January 2022. This office was tasked with overseeing private school bus companies, ensuring compliance, and preventing future tragedies. However, it took nearly two years for the state to staff the office, with operations finally beginning in December 2023.

Dangerous Oversight Gaps Continue

The consequences of these delays have been severe. In January 2023, a school bus driver named Anthony Stuckey crashed into a home while allegedly driving under the influence. A background check revealed he had amassed 152 violations, including drug possession, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Despite his extensive record, he continued to work as a school bus driver.

Similarly, in the Woodland Park case, the bus driver involved had a history of accidents, yet he remained employed by STA. This raises concerns about private bus companies’ hiring and accountability practices, as well as the state’s ability to enforce safety regulations effectively.

Holding Negligent Companies Accountable

Legal action is now underway against STA, the bus driver, the Woodland Park Board of Education, and others involved in the tragic incident. The attorney representing the victim’s family has accused STA of negligence and evidence concealment.

Meanwhile, some of the bus companies identified in the 2020 investigation are finally facing justice. The co-owner of F&A Transportation Inc. was recently sentenced to five years in prison for hiring unqualified drivers and failing to conduct necessary background checks. However, other negligent operators, such as the Khalique brothers, continue to secure school contracts despite accusations of unsafe practices.

A Call for Urgent Reform

State Senator Joseph Lagana, a leading advocate for school bus safety reforms, has expressed deep frustration over the delays in implementing oversight measures. “If regulation isn’t enforced, the laws we pass are meaningless,” he warned.

Parents and communities must demand immediate action. Schools, lawmakers, and transportation officials must ensure that bus companies prioritize safety over profits. The Office of School Bus Safety must be held accountable for enforcing regulations and preventing future tragedies.

With thousands of children relying on school buses daily, ensuring their safety should be a top priority. Until real oversight is in place and negligent companies are held accountable, students remain at risk every time they step onto a school bus.

 

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