Bus Accident/Incident Response Procedure

The Chappaqua Central School District is committed to protecting the health and safety of every student, maintaining clear communication with families, coordinating effectively with emergency responders, ensuring accurate documentation, and responding to every transportation incident with professionalism, compassion, and efficiency.

Responsibilities & Procedures

Bus Driver Responsibilities

Student safety is the driver's first priority.

In the event of a bus accident or incident, the driver shall:

• Stop the bus immediately. Do not move the bus unless remaining in place creates a greater safety risk or law enforcement directs the bus to be moved.
• Call 911 if there are injuries or imminent danger (such as fire)
• Contact Chappaqua Transportation by radio or phone and report:
  • Exact location
  • Bus number and route
  • Number of students on board
  • Nature and severity of the accident
  • Known or suspected injuries
  • Roadway hazards or other safety concerns
• Secure the bus by:
  • Setting the parking brake
  • Turning off the ignition
  • Removing the keys
• Remain calm and reassure students.
• Account for all students on board.
• Keep students on the bus whenever it is safe to do so.
• Evacuate students only when remaining on the bus presents a greater danger (e.g., fire, smoke, hazardous materials, or an unstable vehicle).
• If evacuation is necessary:
  • Move students to a safe location away from traffic.
  • Keep students together and supervised.
  • Do not move injured persons unless an immediate life-threatening hazard exists.
• Deploy emergency warning devices, as appropriate.
• Complete a seating chart identifying each student's assigned seat, if requested by the superintendent or designee.
• Do not allow parents or guardians to board the bus.
• Release students only with authorization from a District administrator or designated District representative.
• Document the names of all released students and to whom they were released (Parent name, EMS, etc.) 

Chappaqua Transportation Responsibilities

Upon notification of a bus accident or incident, Chappaqua Transportation shall:

• Obtain complete information from the bus driver, including the location of the incident, the number of students on board, the nature of the accident, any reported injuries, and any roadway hazards.
• Notify law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), and the fire department, as appropriate.
• Notify the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent for Business immediately, who will notify the school.
• Notify the Superintendent or their designee if parents/caregivers arrive at the site. 
• Dispatch a relief bus and qualified driver, if needed, or send qualified personnel to determine whether the bus can safely continue its route.
• Ensure all required post-accident drug and alcohol testing is completed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Instruct the driver to protect passengers and secure the scene until released by emergency responders or, for minor incidents, by the District.
• Maintain communication with District administration throughout the incident and provide updates as new information becomes available.

School Nurse Responsibilities

During School Hours: Upon notification of a bus accident:

If no injuries are initially reported:

• If approved by District personnel, students may continue to school.
• The nurse shall meet the bus upon arrival or respond to the accident scene, when appropriate, to assess students.
• School administration or a designated staff member shall notify families that an accident occurred, that no injuries have been reported, and that students will be evaluated by the school nurse.

If injuries are reported:

• EMS assumes responsibility for medical care at the scene.
• Students requiring medical transport shall be taken to the appropriate hospital.

Building Principal Responsibilities

The Building Principal shall:

• Coordinate the nurse's response to the accident scene or the assessment of students if the bus proceeds to school.
• Arrange staffing if students require support at a hospital.
• Support student reunification efforts, as needed.
• Prepare and distribute communications to families through the District's emergency notification system.

District Office Responsibilities

Upon notification of a school bus accident, the District Office shall:

• Monitor the response and coordinate with Chappaqua Transportation.
• Determine whether a District administrator should respond to the accident scene, hospital, or student reunification site.
• Coordinate communication among Chappaqua Transportation, school administration, and emergency responders.
• Document District actions taken during and after the incident if injuries are reported.

Afternoon Dismissal Accidents

If no injuries are reported:

• Chappaqua Transportation, in consultation with Superintendent or their designee and emergency responders when applicable, shall determine whether students should:
  • Continue home on the original bus if it is safe;
  • Transfer to a relief bus;
  • Be brought back to the school; or
  • Be released directly to parents or guardians.
• Chappaqua Transportation or a District representative shall notify affected families of the accident, student status, expected arrival times, or reunification procedures.

If injuries are reported:

• EMS assumes responsibility for medical care.
• Chappaqua Transportation or District administration shall contact affected families regarding student status, hospital transport, and reunification procedures.
• Building or District administration shall provide follow-up communications to families, as appropriate.

After-Hours, Weekend, and School-Sponsored Activity Accidents

If an accident occurs outside the regular school day:

• Chappaqua transportation shall immediately notify the Superintendent or their designee. 
• District administration shall determine whether a District representative should respond to the accident scene, hospital, or student reunification location and notify the Building Principal.

If no injuries are reported:

• Once law enforcement releases the bus and passengers, students may be released to parents or guardians or transported home.
• Chappaqua Transportation or District administration shall notify all affected families.

If injuries are reported:

• EMS assumes responsibility for medical care.
• Families shall be contacted immediately by School District personnel or Chappaqua Transportation.
• The school district will coordinate with EMS personnel on parent release procedures for students who are determined to be uninjured.

Documentation and Follow-Up

Chappaqua Transportation shall:

• Complete all required accident reports.
• Coordinate all required state and federal reporting.
• Ensure required post-accident testing is completed, when applicable and report findings to the Superintendent of Schools.

Building Principal shall:

• Document student injuries and follow-up actions.
• Complete student accident report, where applicable
• Coordinate counseling or other social-emotional supports, as appropriate.

District Administration shall:

• Review the District's response to the incident.
• Revise procedures as necessary based on lessons learned.
• Maintain all documentation in accordance with District policy and applicable laws.