National School Bus Safety Week!

The Twin Falls School District is joining schools across the nation in recognizing National School Bus Safety Week, celebrated this year from October 20–24. This annual event serves as a reminder that keeping students safe on the way to and from school requires the shared efforts of bus drivers, students, parents, and the entire community.

Every day, thousands of TFSD students rely on school buses as their safe and reliable transportation to and from school. The district’s bus drivers and transportation staff work hard to ensure that students arrive at their destinations safely, but everyone in the community has a role to play.

“Bus safety is truly a community effort,” said TFSD Associate Superintendent Ryan Nesmith. “School bus drivers do an incredible job maintaining focus and care on every route, but we need all motorists to be alert, patient, and follow the law when it comes to stopping for school buses. Those extra few seconds can make all the difference in keeping a child safe.”

The district reminds drivers of these important safety tips:

  • Stop for flashing red lights – It’s the law. Vehicles in both directions must stop when a bus extends its stop arm. 

  • Stay alert in school zones and neighborhoods – Watch for students walking or biking to bus stops.

  • Avoid distractions – Focused driving keeps everyone safe.

  • Allow extra time – During pick-up and drop-off hours, plan ahead and expect brief delays.

Families can also help by ensuring students arrive at their bus stop early, wait calmly away from the street, and follow their driver’s directions while riding.

The TFSD and other school districts across the Magic Valley transport thousands of students each week, covering thousands of miles safely. National School Bus Safety Week provides an opportunity to recognize this essential service and renew the community’s commitment to protecting students.

For more information about school bus stop safety, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety#the-topic-bus-stop-safety.