Every school day, millions of children across the nation rely on school buses to travel safely to and from school. While school buses remain one of the safest modes of transportation for students, crashes involving school buses continue to occur. In recognition of National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in reminding motorists, parents and students that school bus safety is a shared responsibility.
Observed annually during the third full week of October, National School Bus Safety Week emphasizes the importance of safe driving habits, student awareness and the critical role school bus drivers play in protecting children. This year’s theme, “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes,” recognizes the individuals who help ensure students arrive at school and return home safely each day.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “Every child deserves a safe trip to school and back home, and that responsibility extends far beyond the school bus driver. It includes parents, students and motorists, making safety a priority. As we recognize National School Bus Safety Week, I encourage every driver to slow down, eliminate distractions and remain alert, especially in school zones and near bus stops. A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference in protecting a child’s life.”
According to data provided to ALEA by the Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS) at the University of Alabama, Alabama recorded 589 school bus-related crashes in 2025, resulting in two fatalities. So far in 2026, 411 school bus-related crashes have been reported, with zero fatalities. Of those statewide totals, ALEA Troopers investigated 138 school bus-related crashes in 2025 and 81 so far in 2026.
“School bus safety is not just a concern during one week of the year. It is a responsibility every time we get behind the wheel,” said ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jeremy Burkett. “Our Troopers see firsthand how quickly a moment of inattention, or an unsafe decision can lead to devastating consequences. When you approach a school bus, slow down, pay attention and be prepared to stop. Never attempt to pass a school bus with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. No destination or appointment is worth putting a child’s life at risk."
School Bus Safety Tips for Parents and Students
School bus safety begins long before the bus arrives. NHTSA recommends that parents and caregivers review the following safety practices with their children:
- Arrive early: Children should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
- Wait safely: Stand in a safe location away from the roadway and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens and the driver signals that it is safe to board.
- Use caution when boarding and exiting: Always use the handrails to prevent falls and avoid rushing.
- Stay visible: Never walk behind a school bus. When crossing in front of a bus, remain at least 10 feet away, make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing.
- Remain alert: Avoid distractions, including cellphones and headphones, when approaching or leaving the bus stop.
School Bus Safety Reminders for Motorists
Motorists also play a critical role in preventing school bus-related crashes. ALEA reminds motorists to remain vigilant, particularly during morning and afternoon school transportation hours.
- Watch for school buses: Slow down and prepare to stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing yellow warning lights.
- Stop for red lights: Motorists must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, as required by Alabama law.
- Never pass a stopped school bus illegally: Children may be entering or exiting the bus and crossing the roadway.
- Know Alabama’s law: On roadways with fewer than four lanes, traffic traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying its stop signal. On roadways with four or more lanes, only motorists traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.
- Remain stopped: Do not proceed until the bus has withdrawn its stop signal and it is safe to continue.
Under Alabama law, a first conviction for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus carries a fine ranging from $150 to $300, with increased fines and additional penalties for subsequent convictions.
As National School Bus Safety Week continues, ALEA encourages all Alabamians to recognize the important role they play in protecting students on the roadways.
Remember: Every stop matters, every child matters, and every driver has a responsibility to help ensure a safe ride to and from school.
