Ensuring School Bus Safety

Young Hoosiers all across Indiana are returning to the classroom, which means more school buses on our roads. The Indiana State Police are reminding motorists to use caution and remain aware of buses dropping off and picking up students.

Indiana has multiple laws regarding when to stop for a school bus:

• On two-lane roadways, if a school bus stops, the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.
• On multi-lane roadways with NO barrier between lanes, if a school bus stops, the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.
• On multi-lane roadways with a grassy and/or concrete barrier, if a school bus stops, the red lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, only vehicles behind the bus MUST stop. Vehicles that are approaching from the opposite side are not required to stop.

Children should also be careful when getting on and off school buses.

Children should stand six feet away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive and wait to approach until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens. Make sure children look both ways before crossing the street in front of the bus in case motorists do not heed the stop arm or flashing lights.

It is of utmost importance motorists learn and adhere to Indiana's school bus laws in order to keep all of our Hoosier children safe as they travel to and from school.

To learn more about school bus safety, click here or visit nhtsa.gov.