National School Bus Safety Week
October 20-24

Each year during the third week of October, the National Association of Pupil Transportation sponsors National School Bus Safety Week. This year’s theme is “Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm.” Although school buses provide the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school, this important safety message bears repeating now that schools are back in session.

All states have adopted “stop arm laws.” Stop arm laws require motorists to stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. On an undivided roadway, all traffic from both directions must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus until the stop arm is retracted and the red lights stop flashing. On a divided roadway, separated by a medium or barrier, the stop arm rule only applies to traffic on the side of the roadway where the bus has stopped. Violating this rule puts students in great danger and it is a serious driving offense.

Other important school bus safety precautions to keep in mind include:

• Slow down and stay alert near schools, bus stops and playgrounds.  Children who are being picked up or dropped off by school buses may be more interested in getting to the bus or home than watching for traffic.

• Increase your following distance when following behind school buses.

• Be prepared for school buses to stop frequently to pick up or drop off students, and at railroad crossings.

• Where feasible, choose a route to avoid school bus traffic during the morning and afternoon.

• Watch for bicyclists and inexperienced teenage drivers who are traveling to and from school.