As students head back to school, school buses become a familiar sight on our roads. Every day, approximately 20.5 million elementary and secondary school students rely on school buses to travel safely to and from school. While school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation, the moments when children are getting on or off the bus are when they are most at risk.
Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands, it’s important to know how to safely share the road with school buses. Here are five essential tips every driver should follow.
1. Always Stop for School Buses
The most important rule is simple: stop when a school bus has its red flashing lights activated.
When you see a bus’s yellow flashing lights, slow down immediately and prepare to stop. These lights indicate the bus is about to stop to pick up or drop off students. Never attempt to pass a bus that is slowing down.
Once the red lights begin flashing, come to a complete stop as required by your state’s laws. After the lights stop flashing and the bus begins moving again, proceed carefully and watch for children who may still be crossing the street.
Safety Reminder: Even if a bus does not have its stop arm extended, you must still stop when the red lights are flashing. Some buses may not be equipped with a stop arm, or it may malfunction.
2. Stay Out of the Bus Driver’s Blind Spots
School buses have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. If you can’t see the driver’s face in their mirrors, chances are they can’t see you.
Avoid driving directly in front of, beside, or behind a bus for extended periods. Giving buses plenty of space improves visibility for everyone and reduces the risk of a collision.
3. Give School Buses Plenty of Stopping Distance
Because of their size and weight, school buses require significantly more room to stop than most vehicles.
If you’re merging in front of a bus, allow extra space rather than cutting in too closely. Maintaining a safe following distance also gives you more time to react if the bus stops unexpectedly.
4. Expect Wide Turns
School buses often need additional room to complete turns safely.
When making a right turn, a bus may first move slightly left to create enough space before turning right. Avoid trying to squeeze between the bus and the curb or attempting to pass during a turn. Be patient and allow the bus to complete its maneuver safely.
5. Practice Patience Behind the Wheel
Getting stuck behind a school bus can be frustrating, especially during busy morning and afternoon commutes. However, aggressive driving puts everyone at risk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving contributes to more than half of all fatal crashes over a five-year period.
A few extra moments of patience can make a significant difference. Remember that the bus is transporting children, and their safety should always come first.
What Happens If You Don’t Stop for a School Bus?
Ignoring school bus stop laws can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Costly tickets and fines
- Mandatory driver safety courses
- Community service
- Points added to your driving record
- Increased auto insurance premiums
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Misdemeanor or felony charges in severe cases
The penalties vary by state, but the risks—to both children and drivers—are significant.
We All Play a Role in Keeping Children Safe
Sharing the road responsibly helps protect students, bus drivers, and everyone else traveling our roadways. By slowing down, staying alert, and following school bus safety laws, we can all do our part to ensure children arrive safely at school and return home each day.
As the school year begins, remember that a little patience and extra caution can make all the difference.
