What the National School Bus Safety Action Plan Means for School Districts

A newly released National School Bus Safety Action Plan developed with leadership from the Governors Highway Safety Association and partners across the student transportation industry, aims to address the issue of illegal drive-arounds. The report outlines dozens of

recommendations designed to reduce illegal passings and improve safety around school buses nationwide.

The Ongoing Challenge of Illegal Bus Passing

Each year, transportation officials report thousands of incidents involving drivers who ignore the stop arms of school buses and pass while students are getting on an off the bus. 

According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, tens of thousands of illegal passings are reported in a single survey day across participating states. These moments often occur during the most vulnerable part of a student’s journey when they are crossing the street or stepping off the bus. 

The new national action plan acknowledges that addressing this challenge requires cooperation across multiple fronts, including law enforcement, schools, policymakers, and communities.

A Layered Safety Strategy

One of the most important themes in the action plan is the need for multiple safety measures to work together. No single solution can fully eliminate the risk of illegal passing; however, advancements in school transportation technology are giving districts additional tools to improve safety. From cameras and telematics to new physical safety features on buses, districts are increasingly exploring solutions that help protect students during loading and unloading.

Where Physical Deterrents Fit

The moments when a bus is stopped and students are crossing the road remain in the highest-risk situations. 

Physical deterrents can play an important role in reinforcing the stop arm and creating a stronger visual and physical barrier between students and passing traffic. Solutions like BusGates® Stop Arm Extensions, which extend five feet from the side of the bus, are designed to help prevent vehicles from attempting to pass in the first place. 

By adding another layer of protection, these technologies complement existing safety measures and help districts further reduce risk. 

The National School Bus Safety Action Plan provides an important roadmap for improving student transportation safety nationwide. As districts evaluate the recommendations and consider new approaches, many will be looking for practical ways to strengthen the protections already in place. 

Districts evaluating new safety strategies should consider this new guidance, which includes physical deterrents to change driver behavior as a companion to enforcement and education solutions. 

Together we can make the commute for students to and from school a safer experience.