Peoria Standard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is emphasizing the importance of school bus safety as part of National School Bus Safety Week, which runs from October 21-25. The agency calls for drivers to exercise caution around school buses, highlighting the risks posed by ignoring stop signs and flashing red lights.

In Illinois, many children depend on school buses for their daily commute. These vehicles are equipped with numerous safety features, making them a secure option for transporting children. However, awareness and adherence to safety practices are crucial for further protecting young passengers.

"The most dangerous part of the school bus ride for students is the bus stop," according to the State Board of Education and the Illinois State Police. The organizations note that illegal passing poses a significant threat, particularly to five- to seven-year-olds who are most at risk when getting on or off the bus.

Statistics show that between 2013 and 2022, there were 169 pedestrian fatalities in school bus-related incidents compared to 111 among school bus occupants. "Of those 111 children who died, 25 were simply walking," illustrating the dangers posed by illegally passing stopped buses.

Drivers are urged to be aware of the "Danger Zone"—the area within ten feet surrounding a bus where children are most vulnerable due to potential blind spots. From 2000 to 2022, crashes caused by drivers illegally passing stopped school buses resulted in 55 fatalities, half of which involved child pedestrians.

Motorists must adhere to specific guidelines when encountering a stopped school bus:

- On two-lane roadways, all traffic must stop at least 20 feet before reaching a halted school bus.

- On four-lane roads with traffic traveling in both directions, only vehicles moving 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 buses stop regardless of passenger presence.

Penalties for failing to comply include fines and driver's license suspensions. A first offense results in a minimum $300 fine and a three-month suspension; subsequent offenses within five years incur harsher penalties.

This year's theme for National School Bus Safety Week is "Driving Safely Into the Future." It serves as a reminder that careful driving habits contribute significantly to community safety. For more information on enhancing school bus safety practices, visit NHTSA's School Bus Safety webpage.