Maryland DOT urges caution near school buses as students return to class

BALTIMORE, MD—With the new school year fast approaching, the Maryland Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to take extra precautions when driving near school buses.

MDOT says more than 600,000 Maryland students will be taking the bus to and from school this year.

Officials say the safety of students is of the utmost importance, and therefore, the MVA is stressing the need for motorists to follow all traffic laws, including stopping for school buses.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are one of the safest vehicles on the road, with less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involving children on school buses. However, children are still at risk when they approach or leave a school bus.

“Many of our students will walk, ride a bike or take the bus as they head back to school,” said Maryland State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “Motorists need to stay alert, follow the posted speed limited, and be prepared to stop for school buses and students on our roadways.”

A 2024 survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services reported that 4,588 school bus drivers in Maryland observed 1,922 drivers illegally passing their bus – all on a single day. The state’s school bus stop law states that motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. Drivers can be ticketed and fined up to $570 if they continue to pass. Drivers stopped by a police officer for violating the school bus stop law face a fine of up to $570 and three points on their drivers’ licenses.

“Stopping for school buses and watching for children is more than just a rule – it’s a commitment to fostering a culture of safety,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “By staying vigilant and obeying traffic laws, we create a safer environment for students to walk or bike to school and ensure school buses continue to be one of Maryland’s safest modes of transportation.”

Motorists are urged to take extra precautions when driving near school buses, such as stopping at stop signs, remaining alert, and obeying traffic laws. By following these simple tips, motorists can help to keep children safe this school year.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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