10/20/2025
Millions of children across the nation ride on a school bus every day – that’s why school bus safety is important in every community! Palmer Bus Service's #1 Core Value is Safety, so we would invite you all to take a moment to review some reminders in regards to School Bus Safety!
• In every state, it is illegal for vehicle drivers to pass a school bus while the school bus stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. Vehicle drivers must always come to a complete stop when a school bus stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• The school bus loading and unloading area is called the “Danger Zone.” Specifically, this is any side of the bus where a child may not be seen by the bus driver and, therefore, is in the most danger. These areas include: 10 feet in front of the bus, where the driver may be sitting too high to see a child,10 feet on either side of the bus, where a child may be in the driver’s blind spots, Behind the school bus
Safety Reminders for Parents and Caregivers
• Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
• Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.
• Be sure the bus driver can always see you, and you can see the bus driver.
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left-right-left before crossing.
Safety Reminders for Motorists
• The overall best practice is to “always stop if there’s a school bus.”
• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
• Motorists may begin moving only when the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins to move.
• Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.
• Don’t drive distracted. Be alert. Children arriving for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Watch out for young people who may be distracted and not paying attention to the traffic around them.
