Sangamon Sun

This week marks National School Bus Safety Week, an event held from October 21 to 25. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling on drivers to prioritize school bus safety. While school buses are considered one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents occur when drivers ignore stop signs and flashing red lights.

In Illinois, many children depend on school buses for their daily commute. Despite the built-in safety features of these buses, parents, children, and drivers must adhere to safety practices to ensure further protection. The State Board of Education and the Illinois State Police emphasize that bus stops are particularly hazardous for students. The risk is highest when children are boarding or exiting the bus, with illegal passing posing a serious threat.

Data indicates that from 2013 to 2022, 169 pedestrians died in school bus-related accidents compared to 111 school bus occupants. Notably, among those who perished were 25 children walking at the time. "When you ignore these warnings," warns officials, "you’re not just breaking the law, but you’re putting kids’ lives at risk."

The area within ten feet of a school bus is referred to as the “Danger Zone.” This zone presents risks as it can fall into a driver’s blind spots. From 2000 to 2022, there were 55 fatalities due to drivers illegally passing stopped school buses.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed upon seeing yellow flashing lights on a bus and come to a complete stop when red lights flash and the stop-arm extends. This protocol applies differently depending on roadway types:

- On two-lane roads: All lanes must stop.

- On four-lane roads: Only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.

- On one-way roads: All lanes must halt regardless of lane count.

At railroad crossings, state law mandates that school buses stop even without passengers onboard.

The theme for this year’s National School Bus Safety Week is “Driving Safely Into the Future.” It serves as a reminder for communities to cultivate safer habits around school buses.

For more information about enhancing school bus safety practices, visit NHTSA’s School Bus Safety webpage.