Students across the country are heading back to school now, which often brings changes in traffic patterns and additional considerations on the road. Millions of students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), less than 1 percent of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. Buses are designed with special safety features like large mirrors and flashing lights to keep students safe, but students can still be at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. It is incredibly important for drivers, parents, and students to understand bus safety to keep everyone safe.  

Below we share bus safety tips for this school year from the NHTSA. 

School Bus Safety for Drivers 

While it’s important to pay attention to buses on the road, it’s even more important to keep your eyes on areas surrounding the bus. Always stop for school buses, and never attempt to pass them. Children should stay several feet away from a bus while they wait to board or get off the bus. Illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat to children and others on the road. In every state, it is illegal for you to pass a school bus while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. 

Drivers must remember these simple rules: 

  • Slow down when you see flashing yellow lights on a school bus. The bus is preparing to stop, and there are likely students or parents waiting nearby. 
  • Stop and wait at least 20 feet behind a bus with red flashing lights. Stay stopped until the extended stop-arm is withdrawn and the red lights stop flashing. 
  • Watch for children on and near the road, especially around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert through school zones, near bus stops, and in neighborhoods.  

School Bus Safety for Students 

Children should arrive at their bus stop at least five minutes before the bus and should wait ten or more feet away from the curb. When the bus arrives, children should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to get on or off. 

Never walk behind a bus. Also, if a child must cross the street in front of a bus, they should walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five large steps in front of the bus before crossing. Children should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see that they’re crossing to avoid danger. 

We hope everyone has a very safe school year, and whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, parent, or bus rider – stay alert and drive safely. 

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