This October 21-25, we’re recognizing National School Bus Safety Week, a time to shine a spotlight on school bus safety and the role each of us plays in protecting children as they travel to and from school.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers everywhere to take school bus safety seriously and be vigilant around buses. Even though school buses are designed to be one of the safest modes of transportation, far too many tragedies happen when drivers disregard the stop signs, ignore the flashing red lights, and fail to slow down.
Countless numbers of children across Illinois rely on school buses for safe transportation. School buses are designed with numerous safety features, making them the safest mode of transportation for children commuting to and from school. However, it’s essential for parents, children, and drivers to understand safety practices that further protect children as they travel. We can never be too safe, especially when it comes to protecting our children
According to the State Board of Education and the Illinois State Police, the most dangerous part of the school bus ride for students is the bus stop. Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus. Illegal passing is a real concern, and often a life-or-death situation for children. Most of the children killed in bus-related crashes are five- to seven-year-olds getting on or off the bus when they are hit by motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus.
From 2013 to 2022, 169 pedestrians lose their lives in school bus-related incidents, compared to 111 school bus occupants. What’s even more heartbreaking? Of those 111 children who died, 25 were simply walking. That’s why it’s illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus when it’s stopped with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended. When you ignore these warnings, you’re not just breaking the law, but you’re putting kids’ lives at risk.
When we see those yellow lights, we need to start slowing down, preparing to stop because those flashing lights and the extended stop-arm are there to protect children.
Watch Out for the “Danger Zone”
The area surrounding the school bus, known as the “Danger Zone,” is where kids are most at risk. It’s any space within 10 feet of the bus. Kids can sometimes be unpredictable, and these areas often fall into the driver’s blind spots. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- In front of the bus: The driver might be sitting too high to see kids crossing right in front.
- On the sides of the bus: Children can easily step into a blind spot without realizing it.
- Behind the bus: Kids are in a particularly risky spot if a driver doesn’t see them.
Between 2000 and 2022, 55 people lost their lives in crashes caused by drivers who illegally passed a stopped school bus. Half of these fatalities were children on foot.
What to Do When You See a Stopped Bus
When you see a bus slowing down with yellow flashing lights, it’s time for you to start slowing down, too. When the red lights flash and the stop-arm extends, drivers need to stop completely. Only once the red lights turn off and the bus starts moving again can other vehicles move. That quick moment of stopping, of letting the bus finish its route, can make all the difference.
Two-Lane Roadway
When a school bus is traveling on a two-lane roadway and is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, the vehicles in all lanes of traffic must stop. Vehicles should stop at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus to allow pupils to cross the roadway safely.
Four-Lane Roadway
When a school bus is traveling on a four-lane roadway with at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the opposite direction, only those lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. Pupils shall not be required to cross four or more lanes of traffic to reach their residence.
One-Way Roadway
When a school bus is traveling on a one-way roadway and is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, all lanes of traffic must stop, regardless of the number of lanes of traffic.
Railroad Crossings
State law requires school buses to stop for all railroad crossings whether or not there are pupils on board. The school bus will display the hazard warning lights as it stops momentarily to determine if it is safe to cross.
If you are approaching the bus from the front, you may proceed past with caution. If you are approaching the bus from the rear, the law prohibits driving over the center line to pass if the bus is within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. For safety, always leave plenty of room for the bus to maneuver or back up in case of an emergency.
Vehicles should not try to cross the tracks behind the school bus until the bus has cleared the tracks and there is room for the vehicle behind the bus on the other side. Some rail crossings have limited space between rail crossings and stop signs or signals on the other side of the tracks. If the school bus must make a stop after crossing the tracks, a vehicle following the bus may be trapped on the tracks until the bus moves or the stop signal light changes. This would have tragic results should a train approach the crossing and vehicles are unable to go forward or backward to clear the tracks.
When to Proceed
Motorists may proceed after stopping for a bus if one of the following occurs:
- The bus resumes motion
- The bus driver signals the motorist to proceed
- Or, the flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm signal is no longer extended
Penalties for Illegally Passing a School Bus
The penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus are as follows:
- First offense is a mandatory minimum fine of $300 and a 3-month suspension of driver’s license.
- Second offense or a subsequent conviction within five years is a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and a one year suspension of driver’s license.
- Additionally, a motorist cited for illegally passing a school bus is not eligible for court supervision.
This National School Bus Safety Week, let’s commit to better, safer habits around school buses. This year’s theme, “Driving Safely Into the Future,” is a reminder that when we take a little extra care, we’re investing in the safety of our kids and our communities.
To learn more about school bus safety and how you can make a difference, visit NHTSA’s School Bus Safety webpage.