School Bus Safety Week

Dates: October 20-24, 2025

Theme: Safety First, Safety Always

Every October, communities across the U.S. come together to recognize School Bus Safety Week, an annual reminder that protecting students on the road is a shared responsibility. Sponsored by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and other organizations, this year’s campaign runs October 20-24, 2025 with the theme “Safety First – Safety Always.”

At DeVivo Bus Sales, school bus safety is at the center of everything we do, from the buses we sell to partnerships we maintain with schools and transportation teams across Connecticut and New England.

Why School Bus Safety Matters

School buses remain the safest form of student transportation:

• Children are 70 times safer riding to school on a bus compared to traveling by car.
• Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles.
• Even so, dangers remain. In 2023, 128 people were killed in school bus-related crashes nationwide, a 23% increase over 2022. 
• Illegal-passing incidents are on the rise, with a 4% increase in 2024 alone.

These numbers reinforce a simple truth: while buses themselves are highly safe, student safety depends on awareness and responsibility from everyone, including drivers, parents, and communities.

Bus Stop & Loading Safety Tips

The loading and unloading process is the most critical safety moment for students. The NHTSA recommends the following precautions:

• The 10-Foot Rule: Children should wait at least 10 feet (five giant steps) from the curb.
• Wait for the Driver: Never board or exit until the bus is completely stopped, the door is open, and the driver signals it’s safe.
• Crossing Safely: Always cross in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead, and make eye contact with the driver.
• Avoid the Danger Zone: Children should never walk behind the bus; if an item drops, tell the driver instead of retrieving it yourself.

For parents, talking to children about these rules before school starts can dramatically reduce risk. For drivers, remembering the area around a bus is a high-risk zone is essential for student safety.

Understanding School Bus Lights & Stop Arms

School bus lights communicate the driver’s intentions:

• Yellow flashing lights: Bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
• Red flashing lights + extended stop-arm: Bus has stopped, and children are boarding or exiting. You must stop and remain stopped until the bus moves and lights stop flashing.

Illegal passing of a school bus is a major safety hazard and is illegal in all 50 states. Awareness and compliance save lives.

Advanced Safety Technologies in 2025

Modern buses are equipped with cutting-edge safety features to protect students:

• LED Lighting & Reflective Materials: Improve visibility in low-light conditions.
• Crossing Arms & Stop-Arm Cameras: Prevent dangerous passing incidents.
• Backup Cameras & Sensors: Increase driver awareness of blind spots.
• Enhanced Structural Design: Stronger crash protection and rollover safety.
• Driver Assistance Systems: Monitor driver fatigue and road awareness.

At DeVivo Bus Sales, we partner with manufacturers like IC Bus to provide buses that combine proven safety standards with modern innovations, ensuring that students are protected today and into the future.

Electric School Buses: Safe, Clean, and Reliable

The school bus industry has been evolving. More than 5,000 electric school buses have been deployed across North America, including many in New England. These vehicles offer a quieter, cleaner ride while maintaining the highest safety standard:

• Federal standards, including FMVSS, continue to evolve for electric buses.
• Dealers and technicians receive specialized training to support safe operation and maintenance.
• At DeVivo Bus Sales, our team is prepared to sell, service, and support electric buses safely in Connecticut and beyond.

Why DeVivo Bus Sales is Your Safety Partner

School Bus Safety Week reminds us that safety is a collective responsibility. At DeVivo Bus Sales, we take that responsibility seriously:

• Local Expertise: We understand the needs of Connecticut and New England school districts.
• Advanced Security Features: We provide buses equipped with modern technologies that enhance student protection.
• Comprehensive Support: From sales to service, we help districts maintain safe, reliable fleets.
• Industry Leadership: Our partnerships with safety-focused manufacturers ensure we stay ahead of emerging standards.

Because when it comes to transporting students, there is no compromise: Safety First. Safety Always.

Explore our school bus inventory or contact our team today to discuss the advanced safety features available for your fleet.

FAQ

Q: Are school buses really safer than other modes of transportation?

A: Yes! School buses are 70 times safer than traveling by car, thanks to federal safety standards, advanced safety features, and specialized driver training. Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles.

Q: What do school bus flashing lights mean?

A: Yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop. Red lights and extended stop-arm mean the bus has stopped, and children are boarding or exiting. You must stop until the bus moves and lights stop flashing.

Q: How far should children stand from the curb while waiting for the bus?

A: Children should wait at least 10 feet (five giant steps) away from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals it’s safe to board.