The Iowa Department of Education is reminding motorists, students and families to take extra precautions around school buses as part of National School Bus Safety Week, observed this year under the theme “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.”
More than 8,500 school buses and school vehicles operate on Iowa roads this year, transporting more than 223,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school. State officials say drivers, parents, students and bus operators all play an important role in preventing injuries and keeping children safe.
“Drivers on the road can help student passengers—as well as the bus driver and themselves—stay safe by slowing down, keeping alert and following the rules for school bus stops,” said Tom Simpson, state director for pupil transportation at the Iowa Department of Education.
Motorists are encouraged to watch for school buses, reduce their speed near bus stops and remain alert for children entering or exiting vehicles. Drivers must pay attention to flashing lights and stop arms and follow Iowa’s school bus traffic laws.
On two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and its stop arm is extended. On roads with more than three lanes, traffic traveling in the opposite direction must slow down and proceed cautiously, while vehicles traveling in the same direction must stop.
Vehicles required to stop must remain at least 15 feet from the bus and wait until the flashing lights are off and the stop arm is retracted before proceeding. Violations can result in fines and other penalties.
Parents are also encouraged to review bus stop safety with their children. Students should wait in a safe location until the bus driver signals that it is safe to board. Children should never walk behind a bus, and they should make sure the driver can see them when crossing in front of the vehicle.
If a student drops an item near a bus, the child should notify the driver rather than attempting to retrieve it independently.
Iowa schools are required to provide students with instruction on safe school bus riding practices twice each year. The instruction includes emergency procedures and how to evacuate a bus safely.
The state is also recognizing students who helped promote bus safety through the 2026 School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest. This year’s Iowa winners were Eleanor Draeger of Humboldt Community School District and Scout Sexton and Lexi Wiley of Benton Community School District.
State transportation officials emphasize that staying alert, following traffic laws and practicing safe habits around bus stops can help protect students throughout the school year.
Source: Iowa Department of Education, National School Bus Safety Week announcement and school bus safety guidance.
