School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers

 BACK TO SCHOOL: SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS

As summer winds down and school buses return to the roads across Northern Virginia, it's important to refresh our knowledge of school bus safety rules. Whether you're a parent driving your kids to school or a commuter rushing to work, being aware of school bus laws and safety practices helps keep children safe — and avoids costly traffic violations.

Here's what every driver should know when sharing the road with school buses.

WHY SCHOOL BUS SAFETY MATTERS

Each day, thousands of students rely on school buses to get to and from school safely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are the safest mode of transportation for children. However, most accidents happen outside the bus, particularly when students are getting on or off and drivers ignore the stop arm or flashing lights.

KNOW THE SCHOOL BUS STOP LAWS IN VIRGINIA

In Virginia, it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Here's how the law breaks down:

🚗 If you're on a two-lane road (one lane in each direction):  All traffic in both directions must stop.

🚙 If you're on a multi-lane road with no physical median:  All lanes of traffic in both directions must stop.

🛣️ If you're on a divided highway with a physical barrier (like a median or guardrail):  Only traffic following the bus must                stop. Traffic on the opposite side may proceed with caution.

Always wait until the bus has turned off its flashing red lights, retracted its stop sign, and started moving again before continuing your drive.

TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFELY AROUND SCHOOL BUSES

Here are practical tips to keep in mind:

Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods, especially during early morning and mid-afternoon hours.

Watch for children at bus stops — they may be unpredictable, especially younger kids.

Never block crosswalks — give students a clear, safe path to cross.

Stay alert and avoid distractions like phones or loud music.

Stop at least 20 feet behind a stopped school bus with its lights flashing.

Be patient. Stopping for a few seconds could save a life.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING BUS LAWS

Virginia takes school bus safety seriously. Passing a stopped school bus can result in:

Fines up to $250 or more

Demerit points on your license

Increased insurance rates

Possible court appearances

More importantly, the risk of injuring a child far outweighs any inconvenience or delay.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVING REMINDER

As school starts back up in Prince William County and surrounding areas, let’s all commit to safer driving habits. A few extra minutes of caution can make a big difference for our community’s children.

If you're new to the area or thinking about moving to a neighborhood with top-rated schools, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you find the perfect home — where safety and education go hand in hand!