The trip to and from school should be safe for every child. School buses are one of the safest vehicles on the road. Nationally, fewer than 1% of traffic deaths involve children on school transportation vehicles. Even so, school bus safety depends on drivers, students and families all doing their part.
Children are most at risk outside the bus, especially when getting on or off, which makes awareness and caution critical.
North Dakota law requires drivers to stop for school buses when children are boarding or exiting.
- Drivers must stop when a school bus has red lights flashing and the stop arm extended.
- On two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop.
- On multi-lane roads, traffic must stop unless the roadway is divided by a median.
- Drivers may not proceed until the stop arm is retracted and the red lights stop flashing.
Passing a school bus with its lights flashing or stop arm extended is $250 for the first offense. Second or subsequent offense within five years has a minimum of $750.
- Slow down and stay alert in school zones and neighborhoods.
- Stop completely for flashing red lights and stop arms.
- Watch carefully for children crossing the road.
- Proceed with caution even after the bus begins moving.
- Stand back from the road while waiting for the bus.
- Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Stay seated and avoid distracting the bus driver.
- Look both ways when getting off the bus.
Staying alert and following the rules helps protect children every day.
Contact us for education materials, training, or other resources.