With the new school year in full swing, school buses are back on the road. It’s important that students and motorists are aware of school bus safety procedures to help ensure their commutes are safe and efficient.
Here are 7 tips for sharing the road with school buses:
- School buses stop often on their routes. Frequent stopping by school buses also means slower speeds. When traveling behind or next to a school bus, slow down and be patient in case the bus is about to make a full stop.
- Red flashing lights = never pass: A school bus using its red flashing lights means traffic must stop on both lanes of the road. Whether you are behind or next to the school bus, you must stop since students are likely getting on or off the bus.
- Keep an extra eye out for running children: Whether it's hopping on the bus in the morning or getting off the bus at the end of the school day, students are rushing to their next destination. Be mindful of children running to or from the bus stop and keep an extra eye out even after the stop sign has been put away.
- Be prepared to stop at railroad crossings: School buses are required by law to stop at every railroad crossing, no matter what.
- Always be distraction-free: It's always extremely important to be distraction-free while driving – and especially when driving near a school zone or a school bus. This includes texting, talking on the phone, or even searching for something in your car. A quick moment of distraction can lead to a dangerous situation, including accidents and injuries.
- Be aware of road signs when driving through school zones: A change in the speed limit can happen quickly while on the road. Be mindful of the laws that apply to different locations and traffic zones. Stay alert about speed-limit changes, traffic signs, and other rules or regulations that apply where you're driving. Often, flashing lights around a speed limit sign will signal that the school speed limit is currently being enforced because it is within the hours of the school day.
- Take time to slow down: Not every student will take a bus – it is crucial to watch for children walking on the street, especially if there is not a sidewalk. Take an extra second to drive the speed limit, check your surroundings, and watch for children on the street before and after the school day.
It is vital for motorists and students to pay attention to their surroundings, follow directions from bus drivers and on school bus signage, and be patient during the morning and afternoon school rush hours. To learn more, visit: https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/school-bus-safety-tips-motorists-and-students
Source(s) used in this article:
New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. School Bus Safety Tips for Motorists and Students. Accessed 12 September 2025.
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