This week, October 16-20, 2023 is National School Bus Safety Week. With the school year underway, it is important to pay attention to stopped school buses. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is sharing the following statistics about illegal school bus passing to help raise awareness about this very real danger. During National School Bus Safety Week, support NHTSA’s mission to help save lives by warning other drivers about the dangers of illegal school bus passing. The school bus is one of the safest modes of transportation, but illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat to children and their caretakers.

Maryland State Police (MSP) and the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) remind motorist to stop for school buses. Millions of children ride school buses and are most at risk when they get on or off the bus. MSP & MCSS encourages to remember the following:

• Pay attention when driving, especially in school zones and during times of day when school buses are typically on routes.
• Stop when a bus stops. It is illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing.
• Prepare to stop when the school bus is flashing its yellow lights and be cautious of students beginning to move toward the bus during these times.
• Students of all ages are unpredictable. Therefore, prepare for the unexpected and maintain a safe distance from school buses at all times.

Violators who are stopped by a police officer face a fine of up to $570 and 3 points on their driver’s licenses. Infractions carry a monetary penalty for each violation.

There are also safety tips for Parents to teach their children to keep them safe around the bus.

• Stay out of the danger zone. This is the 10-foot area on all sides of the school bus.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Wait for the Driver’s signal.
• Board one at a time.
• Exit one at a time.
• Move away from the bus when exiting.
• If children drop something near the bus, they should never reach for it.

For more information about National School Bus Safety Week and other bus stop safety tips visit: www.schoolsafety.maryland.gov
www.zerodeathsmd.gov
www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov