National School Bus Safety Week is October 19-23, 2026. With school in session, drivers face busier roads, more pedestrians, and changing traffic patterns, and NHTSA says the most dangerous part of a bus ride is getting on and off. Here are six reminders for bus drivers, plus what motorists and parents can do to help.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calls the school bus one of the safest ways to get children to school, but says illegal passing is a significant threat to children and their caretakers. In every state, it is illegal to pass a bus when its stop arm is extended and its red lights are flashing.

The riskiest area is what NHTSA calls the "Danger Zone": the 10 feet in front of the bus, the 10 feet along each side, and the space behind it, where the driver may not see a child.

1. Stay alert around bus stops
   Students can be unpredictable, especially at busy stops. Slow down, scan frequently, and be ready for sudden movement around the bus. Young children hurry, act before they think, and assume drivers will see them and wait.
   
   
2. Watch for increased pedestrian traffic
   School zones, crosswalks, and neighborhoods see more children walking and biking. Reduce distractions and stay alert.
   
   
3. Use all available visibility tools
   Good visibility is essential when operating a school bus, especially when students are loading and unloading. Drivers should use their mirrors, camera systems and other available visibility features to monitor the areas around the bus and stay aware of vehicles, pedestrians and students.
   
   The IC Bus Next Generation CE Series is built with driver visibility in mind. First Light illuminated school bus signs and fully illuminated stop arms are standard, along with a sloped hood and single-panel glass on the entrance door. The IC Bus Full View camera system works with the mirrors to show the area around the bus. Electronic stability control is standard on air brake models, and Bendix Wingman driver assistance is available. Equipment varies by build, so confirm what comes on your bus with your rep.
   
   
4. Leave extra time
   Traffic patterns shift when school is in session, and delays are common. Allow extra time for routes and avoid rushing between stops.
   
   
5. Be ready for changing weather
   Fall and winter brings fog, rain, snow and fewer daylight hours. Check lights, wipers, and defrosters regularly.
   
   
6. Remember your most important cargo
   Every student deserves a safe ride to and from school. Staying focused, following procedures, and maintaining your vehicle helps students arrive safely every day.

NHTSA's advice for motorists is to always stop if there is a school bus:

• Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so slow down.
• Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean a complete stop. Move again only after the lights are off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus is moving.
• Never pass on the right side, where children get on and off.

For parents and caregivers at the bus stop:

• Arrive five minutes early and stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) from the edge of the road.
  Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it is okay to board.
• Walk in front of the bus, never behind it, and look left, right, and left again before crossing.

Ascendance Truck Centers sells IC Bus at select locations across our network. Many other branches provide IC Bus parts and service support. To plan your next school bus purchase or keep your current fleet on the road, contact us today!

Sources

1. NHTSA. School Bus Safety Talking Points (2024). Illegal passing resources: https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/reducing-illegal-passing-school-buses
2. NHTSA Communications Calendar. National School Bus Safety Week, October 19 to 23, 2026: https://trafficsafetymarketing.gov/communication-calendars
3. IC Bus. Safety: https://www.icbus.com/why-icbus/safety