This is the Most Important Thing You Will Read Today: School Bus Safety in Williston

With school now in session across several communities around Williston, the familiar yellow buses are back on the roads, carrying some very precious cargo. According to the North Dakota Safety Council, over 40,000 children in North Dakota hop on a school bus every day.

While riding the bus is generally safe, the real danger comes when children are getting on and off the bus.

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To help keep our community's children safe, here are some key safety tips you should follow:

1. Be Extra Cautious Near School Zones: When driving through neighborhoods with school zones, be on the lookout for young people in a hurry to get to the bus or school. Avoid driving through school zones during before- and after-school hours whenever possible.
2. Watch for Children Walking or Bicycling: Whether you’re leaving your driveway or driving through your neighborhood, always watch closely for children who may be walking or bicycling to school.
3. Know the “Flashing Signal Light System”: School buses use a flashing light system to alert motorists of their actions. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so you should slow down. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms mean the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off—this is when you must stop and wait until the bus moves before you can start driving again.

Did you know that over 10 million drivers illegally pass school buses every year? Don’t be one of them. Stay vigilant, follow the rules, and help make sure every child gets to and from school safely.

If you need a refresher on safe driving or are interested in becoming a school bus driver, the North Dakota Safety Council can help. Contact Terry Weaver, Driver Safety Manager, at 701-751-6106 or terryw@ndsc.org to learn more.