3541R-Administrative Regulation To Be Followed in the Event of a School Bus Accident

If a school bus or school transportation vehicle is involved in a traffic accident or incident (any impact) while transporting students, the following procedures shall be followed: 


1. Immediate Notification and Emergency Response 

  • The bus driver shall immediately assess the situation and call 911 to request police and emergency medical services when injuries are apparent, suspected, or when safety conditions warrant. 
  • The driver shall then contact the bus company by radio or other available means as soon as possible and provide: 
  • Exact location of the accident 
  • Nature of the incident 
  • Information regarding injuries, if any 
  • The driver shall remain at the scene of the accident until relieved by law enforcement, emergency personnel, a school district administrator, or a representative of the bus company, unless the driver requires immediate medical attention. 


2. Bus Company Responsibilities 

  • Bus company management shall immediately notify the Office of the Superintendent or designee and provide available information regarding the location and severity of the accident.
  • A bus company representative shall respond to the scene as appropriate. 
  • The bus company shall arrange alternate transportation, if necessary, for students to home or school once they have been released. 


3. District Notification and On-Scene Support 

  • Central Office shall notify the appropriate school administrator. 
  • The school Principal or designee may dispatch staff to the scene to assist with student identification, supervision, and communication as appropriate. 


4. Student Supervision and Accountability 

  • Unless safety or security conditions require evacuation, students shall remain seated on the bus and await the arrival of police and emergency personnel. 
  • The driver and/or responding personnel shall document student names and seating locations when feasible. 
  • Student identifying information required for official reports, including dates of birth and addresses, shall be provided to law enforcement by the bus company or district administration as appropriate. 


5. Release of Students 

  • Bus drivers shall not release students from the scene of an accident unless directed by:
  • A school district administrator or designee, or
  • Law enforcement or emergency medical personnel. 
  • Students requiring medical evaluation shall be transported to the nearest appropriate medical facility. 


6. Medical Assessment 

  • If a bus is en route to school at the time of the accident and students are released from the scene without medical transport, students shall be assessed by the school nurse upon arrival before returning to class. 
  • If the bus is en route from school, emergency medical personnel shall determine whether further medical evaluation is required. 


7. Parent/Guardian Communication 

  • Parents/guardians of students requiring medical attention shall be notified as soon as possible by a school district administrator or designee. 
  • When appropriate, the district may issue written communication to parents that includes only verified information related to: 
  • Location 
  • Date and time 
  • General nature and seriousness of reported injuries 


8. Documentation 

  • The bus company and district administration shall complete and retain all required accident and incident reports.
  • Documentation shall be reviewed as part of ongoing transportation safety oversight. 


Adopted: March 3, 2026 Newtown Public Schools Newtown, CT