By Tina L. Scott
Editor
Students in Merrill went back to school this week, and most school districts in the state have already started or will soon begin classes. That means an increase in pedestrian traffic as children walk to and from school, especially near school zones, and it means school buses are back on the road.
Drivers are reminded to be extra-cautious on city streets and alert for pedestrians — especially children — emerging from between parked cars, crossing streets, and gathering near bus stops and schools. Observe the speed limit in school zones and remain alert, because a child’s life could depend on it.
As another school year begins, keeping children safe on their way to and from school is our shared responsibility.
The greatest danger for children occurs when they are getting on or off the school bus and/or are crossing the road. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that, on average, one child pedestrian is killed each year in the state due to school bus loading or unloading. Some of these deaths involve a child being struck by an illegally passing vehicle, while others happen when a child is hit directly by the school bus itself — most often because the child was in the driver’s blind spot near the front or rear of the bus. That’s why teaching children and bus drivers, as well as reminding all motorists in Wisconsin, about school bus safety is so important.
Young children who lack impulse control and don’t always follow protocol are at the highest risk, so be sure to review safety guidelines with your child.
A back-to-school refresher for drivers
As for drivers in Wisconsin, an annual back-to-school refresher is also helpful. First and foremost, never ignore flashing school bus lights and stop signs.
By law:
• Drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from any school bus with flashing red lights and stay stopped until the bus moves or the lights turn off. This applies to traffic in both directions, unless you’re on a divided highway with a median.
• Flashing amber (yellow) lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, and you should, too. While passing is still allowed, drivers must slow down and use caution, preparing to stop if the lights turn red.
• Buses must activate amber lights 300 feet before a stop on roads with a speed limit of 45 mph or higher, and 100 feet before if slower. Red lights engage only when the bus is stopped and children are boarding or exiting.
Many school buses are now equipped with cameras that aid in the identification and prosecution of drivers who disregard school bus flashing red lights and pass illegally, putting children’s lives in danger.
The scope of illegal passing in Wisconsin
According to the 2025 Wisconsin School Bus Association (WSBA) survey (conducted May 8, 2025, and published July 25, 2025), participating bus drivers reported an average of 316 illegal passes in one day, which equated to a violation rate of 35%. Projected over a typical 180-day school year with the number of school buses on the roads each day, this translates to about 861,336 illegal passes annually.
The 2024 WSBA data painted an even more concerning picture: a 38% violation rate on a single day — including 463 illegal passes in one-day observations — and a projection of approximately 926,676 illegal passes per school year based on the number of school buses on the roads each day. While statistically illegal passing decreased within the state, the violation rate is still alarmingly high and presents a serious danger to children.
Community reminders: it’s up to all of us
Regardless of your role, the safety of children is everyone’s responsibility:
• Drivers: Always stop for flashing red lights. There’s no excuse — children’s lives depend on it.
• Parents, teachers, and students: Teach kids to stand well back from the curb and cross only when and where the bus driver can and does see them and indicates it is safe to do so. For kids who don’t ride a school bus, teach them how to safely cross streets (especially busy streets) — in the crosswalks, under the guidance of crossing guards, and where they can initiate a flashing signal to alert traffic ahead of their actual crossing.
• Schools: Use enhanced visibility — such as signage, crossing guards, or cameras — to deter violations and keep children safe.
Together, by stopping for red lights, slowing for amber, and staying alert, tragedy can be prevented. Protecting children on their way to school is one of the most important things we can do together.
