California’s large population and reliance on public transit, school buses, and private charter buses means thousands of buses are on the road daily. While buses are generally considered safer than passenger cars, accidents still happen and when they do, the results can be devastating due to the number of passengers involved.

Here are 20 important bus accident statistics in California for 2025

General Bus Crash Data

1. Nationwide, there are over 60,000 bus crashes annually, including school, transit, and intercity buses. (Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts)
2. California ranks among the top five states for bus-related crashes.
3. Transit buses account for the highest percentage of bus accidents, followed by school buses.
4. Fatal bus crashes represent about 0.5% of all motor vehicle fatalities, but because of passenger counts, injury numbers can be high.

Location & Timing Factors

5. Most bus accidents in California occur in urban areas with heavy traffic.
6. Los Angeles County reports the highest number of bus collisions statewide.
7. Weekday mornings and afternoons (school and commute hours) are the most common times for crashes.
8. Weather-related bus accidents are relatively rare in California compared to other states, but wet pavement still contributes to incidents.

Causes of Bus Accidents

9. Driver error (fatigue, distraction, or speeding) is the leading cause of bus accidents.
10. Mechanical issues (like brake failures) account for nearly 10% of bus crashes.
11. Alcohol or drug impairment by bus drivers is rare but still occurs — making up less than 1% of cases.
12. Other motorists, not bus drivers, are responsible for about 60% of fatal bus accidents. (Data reference: https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/fatality-analysis-reporting-system-fars)

Injury & Fatality Risks

13. On average, about 250 people die annually nationwide in bus-related crashes.
14. In California, dozens of bus fatalities occur every year, with hundreds of passengers injured.
15. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by buses make up a significant portion of fatalities.
16. Bus passengers are more likely to suffer head, neck, and spinal injuries due to lack of seat belts in many buses.

School Bus Specific Data

17. School buses are involved in about 25% of all bus crashes.
18. Children boarding or exiting buses are at the highest risk of injury.
19. Most fatalities in school bus-related crashes are other vehicle occupants or pedestrians, not bus passengers. (Child safety reference: https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/child_passenger_safety/schoolbus.html)
20. Despite the risks, school buses remain 7 times safer than passenger cars for children.

Final Thoughts

Bus accidents in California may not occur as frequently as car or motorcycle crashes, but when they do, they often involve multiple victims and complex legal issues. From transit bus collisions in Los Angeles to tragic school bus incidents, victims deserve strong legal support to secure compensation. At Hillstone Law, we advocate for bus accident victims and their families across the state.