Back to School: School Bus Safety
School Buses Are On the Roads
As another school year begins, and for many students, that means riding the school bus. School buses are designed to be among the safest ways for children to travel, but serious injuries can still occur when children are getting on or off the bus, waiting at a bus stop, or when other motorists fail to stop.
At McShane & Brady, we believe preventing injuries starts with knowing the risks. Here are important school bus safety tips every parent, student, and driver should know.
Stay at Least 10 Feet Away From the Bus
Children should wait at least 10 feet—or five giant steps—from the curb while waiting for the bus. The area immediately around a school bus can be difficult for drivers to see, so children should remain in a safe location until the bus has completely stopped.
Children should also avoid running, pushing, or playing near the roadway while waiting for the bus.
Never Walk Behind a School Bus
One of the most important rules for children is simple: never walk behind a school bus.
If a student must cross the street after getting off the bus, they should cross in front of the bus, and at least 10 feet ahead of it in order to make sure the driver can see them. If something is dropped near or underneath the bus, children should tell the driver rather than attempting to retrieve it themselves
Drivers Must Stop for a School Bus
Drivers have an important responsibility when sharing the road with school buses.
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so motorists should slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean children are getting on or off the bus, and motorists must stop. Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Never try to pass a stopped school bus simply because you are in a hurry. A few extra seconds could prevent a devastating injury. Passing a stopped bus puts students at risk, and the penalties for doing so are steep. Under Missouri’s updated school bus safety law (effective August 28, 2026), fines for failing to stop for a school bus start at $500 for a first offense and increase to as much as $3,000 for repeat offenses, alongside mandatory driver’s license suspensions and 5 points added to your driving record. Missouri lawmakers strengthened these penalties because stop-arm violations remain a common and dangerous problem for children across the state.
Teach Children Safe Boarding and Riding Habits
Children should wait until the bus has completely stopped and the driver indicates that it is safe before approaching the door. They should use the handrail when getting on or off and walk rather than run.
Once on the bus, children should remain seated, keep the aisles clear, and follow the driver’s instructions. If seat belts are available, children should use them properly.
Slow Down and Stay Alert Near Bus Stops and School Zones
Drivers should be particularly cautious during the morning and afternoon hours when children are traveling to and from school. Watch for children walking or running toward a bus stop, crossing the street, or getting off a bus. School zones have low speed limits and are strictly enforced.
Avoid distractions such as texting or using your phone, obey posted speed limits, and expect children to behave unpredictably. A child who is running late for the bus may not always be paying attention to traffic.
Keeping Kids Safe Is Everyone’s Responsibility
School bus safety requires cooperation from students, parents, school bus drivers, and every motorist on the road. Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent crashes and serious injuries.
At McShane & Brady, we represent individuals and families who have been seriously injured because someone else failed to act safely. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, contact McShane & Brady at 816-888-8010 or contact us via our website www.mcshanebradylaw.com to learn about your legal rights and options.
