September 20, 2023
Leaves are turning and the days are getting shorter, bringing both a change of seasons and the start of a new school year in Montana! Getting to and from school can be a hassle, but luckily school buses are ready to accommodate communities across the state with safe transportation for students. According to the American School Bus Council, students are approximately 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus than when traveling by passenger vehicle. The risks of taking the bus are still real, however, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 113 occupants were killed in school transportation vehicles between 2012 and 2021. Motorists in Montana can reduce the risk of school bus related crashes by being aware of and following all school bus laws.
Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 61-9-402 dictates that cars in either lane of traffic, including on highways, must stop at least 30 feet from a school bus that has its amber or red lights activated. Oncoming traffic separated by a raised median is not required to stop. Some school buses include stop-arms, which are stop-sign shaped "arms" that flash and extend from the bus while children are boarding, exiting, approaching, or moving away from the bus. Paired with the bus's flashing amber-to-red lights, these arms play a crucial role in alerting motorists to the bus driver's intent to stop and load/unload students, but it is ultimately dependent on motorists to keep children safe.
This school year, do your part as a motorist to ensure Montana's students get the safe and comfortable ride to school they deserve.
- Stay alert and focused behind the wheel. Mobile devices, passengers and fatigue can take your eyes (and focus) off the road.
- Keep your vehicle running properly and in good shape by using correct lights, as well as tires and brakes that are maintained to allow safe performance when stopping.
- Be extra mindful when driving near schools, bus stops, and through all intersections during school hours.
- Never pass a school bus when its amber or red lights are flashing.
Learn more about MDT's goal of Vision Zero and what you can do to be safe on our roadways here