As yellow buses begin their routes and crosswalks fill with students, it’s a reminder that a new school year has begun. During the school year, there is a shared responsibility between drivers, parents, schools, and communities to protect children traveling to and from school. Too often, accidents happen because someone is distracted, in a hurry, or not paying attention to the rules of the road. Together, we can make sure Idaho’s streets are safe for every child. Here are some simple reminders to help us all do our part.
Driving Safely in School Zones
School zones are established to protect students, and it’s every driver’s responsibility to use extra caution in these areas. That means slowing down, watching for children, and paying close attention to posted signs and crossing guards.
School zone hours often align with drop-off and pick-up times, but schedules can vary by district. Always follow posted signage and stay alert whenever driving near a school campus.
Tips for safe driving in school zones:
- Reduce your speed and obey all posted signs.
- Be prepared to stop at crosswalks.
- Eliminate distractions such as cell phones or loud music.
- Stay alert for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
- Follow the directions of crossing guards at all times.
Stopping for School Buses
School buses are a daily part of Idaho roadways during the school year and knowing when to stop is essential for keeping students safe. When a school bus has its red warning lights flashing and stop arm extended, students are boarding or exiting the bus, and it’s the law to give them space to cross safely.
Here’s what Idaho law requires:
- All traffic must stop from both directions on roads with three lanes or fewer when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
- On roads with more than three lanes, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus is required to stop. Oncoming traffic may proceed cautiously, staying alert and watching for children.
- Stopped traffic may not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the red lights stop flashing.
Helping Kids Get to School Safely
Parents and caregivers play a key role in teaching and modeling safe behavior around school zones, crosswalks, and bus stops. By building safe habits into your daily routines, you can help your child stay aware and confident on their way to and from school.
Safety tips for parents and caregivers:
- Use designated drop-off and pick-up zones instead of stopping in traffic or crosswalks.
- Walk young children to the bus stop or school entrance when possible.
- Teach kids to look left, right, and left again before crossing and to never assume a driver sees them.
- Help children arrive at least five minutes early to avoid rushing or unsafe behavior at the stop.
- Teach your child to stay alert and avoid using devices or playing near traffic.
Protecting What Matters Most
We all want to do our part to keep kids safe during the school year. By following the rules of the road and staying alert near schools and buses, we can help prevent injuries and save lives. Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho is here to help protect your family, on the road and beyond. Contact your local agent to learn more about how we can help you prepare for whatever comes your way.
Disclaimer: The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts.
Source: Idaho Legislature.
