National Bus Safety Week 2024
National School Bus Safety Week is approaching rapidly, and our top priority must always be to ensure the safety of bus drivers and children at all times. Every school day, millions of children rely on school buses, which are among the safest vehicles on the road. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to slow down and remain vigilant of school buses in their communities. While less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles, children are more vulnerable when getting on or off a school bus. It is crucial for all drivers, parents, and students to prioritize school bus safety.
Illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat; here are some things to keep in mind:
In every state, it is considered illegal for vehicle drivers to pass a school bus while the school bus stop arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. Failing to stop could potentially lead to injury or even death for child pedestrians or their caretakers. It is imperative for vehicle drivers to always come to a complete stop when a school bus stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.
It is important to obey all traffic signs and signals. Unfortunately, there are instances where injuries and fatalities occur outside of or near a school bus due to a motorist's failure to adhere to the stop-arm warning or local traffic laws.
While school buses are statistically the safest mode of transportation for school children, tragic incidents still occur. This is why it is crucial for drivers to comply with all driving laws.
In the event of a school-bus-related crash, a driver could be charged with one of the following:
- A violation for passing a stopped school bus
- A related factor of passing a school bus when prohibited by posted signs, pavement markings, or school bus displaying warning not to pass, and the crash was school-bus-related.
The loading and unloading area of the school bus is known as the “Danger Zone.” Specifically, this includes any side of the bus where a child may not be visible to the bus driver and consequently faces the greatest risk. These areas encompass: 
- 10 feet in front of the bus, where the driver may be sitting too high to see a child
- 10 feet on either side of the bus, where a child may be in the driver’s blind spots
- Behind the school bus
Young children are at the highest risk of being struck because they:
- Hurry to get on and off the bus
- Act before they think and have little experience with traffic
- Assume motorists will see them and wait for them to cross the street
Safety Reminders for Motorists
The safety of children around school buses is of utmost importance. When you see a school bus, always be prepared to stop, especially when the yellow flashing lights are on, indicating that the bus is about to stop to load or unload children. Once the bus stops and the stop arm is extended with red lights flashing, it is crucial to come to a complete stop. Only proceed when the red lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus starts moving again.
It is illegal and extremely dangerous to pass a school bus on the right side where children enter or exit. This reckless act can lead to tragic consequences. The greatest risk to a child is not while riding the school bus, but rather when they are approaching or leaving it. As a driver, it is paramount to exercise caution and pay close attention in these situations.
When driving near school buses or in residential areas, it’s important to slow down and be vigilant. Watch out for children walking in the street, especially in neighborhoods without sidewalks. Pay attention to children playing and gathering near bus stops. Avoid driving while distracted and remain alert. Children waiting for the bus may suddenly dart into the street without checking for traffic. Additionally, be on the lookout for young people who might be distracted and not fully aware of the traffic around them. Your attentiveness and careful driving can help ensure the safety of students and prevent potential accidents.
For Additional Resources Visit:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety
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