Every day, thousands of North Dakota students rely on school buses to get to and from school safely. National School Bus Safety Week (October 19^th – 23^rd , 2026) is a great reminder that drivers, parents, and communities all play a role in protecting children.

School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers:

Help keep students safe by following these important tips:

• Watch for children: Be alert in neighborhoods, school zones, and near bus stops.
• Slow down: Reduce your speed and watch for children walking or biking to school.
• Know the signals: Flashing yellow lights mean a bus is preparing to stop. Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean you must stop.
• Never pass a stopped school bus: Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and it is safe to proceed.
• Eliminate distractions: Keep your attention on the road and watch for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly.

School Bus Driver Safety Training:

School bus drivers have an important responsibility to safely transport students every day. The North Dakota Safety Council offers school bus driver safety courses to help drivers strengthen their knowledge and promote safer roads for everyone.

Whether you’re an experienced driver or interested in becoming a school bus driver, proper safety training can make a difference.

Let’s work together to protect our youngest passengers. This National School Bus Safety Week, stay alert, follow school bus laws, and make student safety a priority on every trip.

Want a refresher course on safe driving that will lower your insurance rates? Interested in becoming a school bus driver? The NDSC can help! Contact Sheralyn Plante, Traffic Safety Manager, at 701.751.6106 or sheralynp@ndsc.org to learn more.