National School Bus Safety Week reminds Idaho drivers to help keep students safe

BOISE - As part of National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23, the Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety and education leaders are reminding motorists that school bus safety is a shared responsibility. The annual observance brings together schools, families, transportation professionals, and drivers to promote safe behaviors on and around school buses. This year's theme is "Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes."

While school bus crashes account for less than one-half of 1% of all crashes in Idaho, their impacts can be significant when they occur. In 2025, Idaho recorded 86 school bus crashes, resulting in more than $10 million in economic costs statewide. Although 96% of school bus occupants involved in those crashes were not injured, every crash serves as a reminder that safe driving around school buses and in school zones is critical to protecting students, families, and other road users. Transportation officials note that the most severe injuries and fatalities in school bus crashes are typically suffered by the occupants of the other vehicles involved.

"Everyone using our roads has a part to play in making sure that school safety extends beyond our classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds," said Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. "As buses make daily trips to and from their destinations, we all have a chance to contribute to an environment where students travel and arrive safely, no matter where their destinations may be."

Through SHIFT, Idaho's safe driving movement, the Office of Highway Safety encourages motorists to stay engaged behind the wheel, watch for children near bus stops, and obey laws requiring drivers to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights. SHIFT's message is simple: Idaho roads connect us, but it's our choices that protect us.

Idaho's reckless driving statute, Idaho Code 49-1401, outlines penalties for dangerous driving behaviors, including violations that occur in active school zones. A driver may be charged with reckless driving if they endanger people or property, pass in a no-passing zone with restricted visibility, or drive more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit in an active school zone when children are present and visible.

For more information and safety resources, visit SHIFT Idaho at shift-idaho.org.