Across the country, students are heading back to classroom for the 2025–2026 school year. This seasonal shift means bright yellow buses returning to their routes, children in crosswalks and bike lanes, and increased traffic from parents and young drivers—all requiring extra caution and good back to school driving safety practices from motorists.
To help keep everyone protected during this busy time of year, drivers should prepare for the changes in traffic and congestion with the following back to school driving safety tips:
Respect the Yellow Bus
Know and abide by the laws for sharing the road with school buses, especially:
It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop; red flashing lights and an extended stop sign arm indicate that children are getting on or off the bus.
Traffic in both directions must stop on undivided roadways when students are entering or exiting a school bus. State laws on divided highways vary, but all states require that traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Give children plenty of space to safely enter and exit the bus. Children are at the greatest risk of being hit within ten feet of a school bus. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, as they may dart into the street without checking for traffic.
Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Follow school buses at a safe distance. Remember that they make frequent stops and must stop at all railroad crossings.
Watch for Pedestrians & Riders
Scan for pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter riders, and skateboarders not only on the street and sidewalk but also emerging from driveways and hidden behind parked cars or other obstructions. Also, note that children may be especially difficult to see behind parked sport-utility vehicles.
Recognize that youngsters can be impulsive. They will often take risks, ignore hazards, and fail to look both ways before crossing the street or running after a ball. Remain vigilant, particularly for children distracted by cell phones, headphones, or friends, and be prepared to stop.
Pay extra attention in school zones and residential areas, as well as near playgrounds and parks. Youngsters can be difficult to see, especially at dawn or dusk or in poor weather when visibility is reduced.
Don’t block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. Forcing youngsters to go around your vehicle puts them in the path of moving traffic. In school zones with blinking warning flashers, stop and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists whether there is a marked crosswalk or not.
Avoid honking the horn or revving your engine when children are in front of your vehicle in a crosswalk. You can startle them and potentially endanger their lives. Wait patiently for youngsters to finish their crossing before you proceed.
Give children riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards a wide berth. If passing, do so slowly and smoothly. If you don’t have sufficient room, do not attempt to pass.
Use your turn signals and allow riders to pass before making a turn. The most common causes of collisions with bicycles are when drivers are turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle or turning right across the path of the bicycle.
Be aware that children riding bikes, scooters or skateboards may swerve, brake suddenly, or even fall. There can also be obstacles on the roadway such as debris or potholes that can be challenging even for experienced riders.
Remember the School Zone Safety Rules
Keep in mind that traffic patterns around school zones may have changed since the last school year. Also remember that children are often outside at various times for recess, lunch and for certain classes, so it's important to remain alert throughout the day to maintain school zone safety.
Abide by the posted speed limit and be prepared to brake. The speed limit in most active school zones is 25 mph; however, local municipalities may change the speed limit to meet community needs. Severe weather may also necessitate lower speeds.
Obey all school zone safety warning signs and instructions from patrol officers and crossing guards. Proceed with caution once the crossing guard returns to the sidewalk and lowers the stop sign.
Slow down around teen drivers who are still developing their skills and judgment behind the wheel. Keep in mind that you may also encounter new school bus drivers who may be adjusting to their routes and vehicles. Stay vigilant and lead by example through safe, responsible driving.
Expect heavy traffic backups near schools, and avoid school zones during peak times, if possible. If you encounter a backup, slow down and be patient. Importantly, stop if there is not enough space to execute your maneuver safely. Also note that some school districts may be staggering schedules due to bus driver shortages. This means that school zones may be active for longer or active at unexpected times.
While sharing the road safely is always important, the start of a new school year calls for heightened awareness in school zones and residential neighborhoods. By following these back to school driving safety tips, drivers can help reduce the risks and ensure safe travel for all.
