Back to School Driving Safety Tips for Students and Bus Drivers

Kids go back to school Wednesday, which means more buses, more walkers, more bikes, and more parents dropping off students. The safest choice is simple: slow down, stay alert, and give everyone extra room.

A few seconds of patience can prevent a serious crash.

Watch for students everywhere

Students may be walking, biking, getting out of cars, or crossing streets near bus stops and schools. Some may be excited, distracted, or still learning the safest way to travel.

Drivers should:

• Slow down in school zones

• Stop fully at stop signs and crosswalks

• Avoid blocking crosswalks when waiting in traffic

• Look twice before turning

• Watch for students between parked cars

• Give bike riders plenty of space

• Stay off the phone while driving

  
  

Even if a student is not crossing correctly, drivers still need to be ready to stop.

Respect school buses and bus drivers

School bus drivers have a difficult job. They are watching traffic, checking mirrors, protecting students, and managing stops. Give them space and patience.

When driving near a bus:

• Leave extra following distance

• Do not cut in front of a bus

• Be ready for frequent stops

• Never try to “beat” a bus before it stops

• Watch for children crossing after they get off

  
  

When a school bus has its lights flashing and stop arm extended, stop and wait. School bus passing laws vary by state, especially on divided roads, so know your local rules. When in doubt, stop.

Flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean students may be crossing.

Drive carefully through school drop-off areas

School drop-off and pickup lines can be crowded and stressful. Rushing only makes them more dangerous.

Use the correct entrance, follow signs, and listen to crossing guards or school staff. Do not double park, stop in travel lanes, or let children out across the street unless the school has directed it.

Safe drop-off habits include:

• Pulling all the way forward when directed

• Letting students exit on the curb side

• Keeping goodbyes quick

• Waiting your turn

• Avoiding U-turns near the school

• Keeping crosswalks clear

  
  

A school parking lot is not the place to pass, honk, or speed around another vehicle.

Put distractions away

Back-to-school mornings are busy, but distracted driving is still dangerous. A quick text, a dropped item, or checking directions can take attention away from a child near the road.

Before driving:

• Set the route

• Silence the phone

• Secure drinks, bags, and other loose items

• Give yourself extra time

• Expect delays near schools and bus stops

  
  

The best safety tool in any vehicle is a focused driver.

Keep both hands and full attention on the road.

Be patient with new routines

The first few days of school can be slow. Bus routes may take longer. New families may be learning drop-off lines. Students may need extra time at crossings.

Plan for it.

Leaving earlier is better than rushing through a neighborhood or school zone. A delayed commute is inconvenient. A preventable crash is life-changing.

Quick back-to-school driving reminder

Before heading out Wednesday morning, remember:

• Slow down near schools, parks, and bus stops

• Stop for school buses when required

• Watch for children walking or biking

• Obey crossing guards and school staff

• Keep crosswalks and intersections clear

• Put the phone away

• Give buses, students, and families extra space

  
  

Back-to-school safety starts with drivers choosing patience. This Wednesday, leave early, slow down, and help students and bus drivers get through the morning safely.