Charleston, W.Va. (Hinton News) – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) reminds drivers to take a “brake” to keep roadways safe and use caution near school buses and school bus stops in recognition of National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 20 – 24, 2025). Earlier this year, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) conducted a survey to determine the number of times drivers illegally passed school buses throughout the country. The annual, one-day snapshot gives the public insight into this very important issue.
The NASDPTS conducted the 2025 survey in April and May and 37 states participated. West Virginia’s was conducted on May 9, 2025. On that day, observers noted 60 drivers illegally passing stopped buses in the morning, three at midday, and 137 during evening drop-offs. Of these, 188 cars passed on the left side of the bus where students often cross the street, and 12 passed on the right side, where students exit the bus doors. School Bus Safety Week is an opportunity to remind the public of how all of West Virginia’s country roads can turn tragic if laws are not followed.
Any incident of illegal passing is of concern, but with more than 200 incidents in one day, transportation officials warn of the need for drivers to slow down and be alert at all times, and for children to stay vigilant.
“Our bus drivers, technicians, transportation directors and support staff spend an incredible amount of time to make sure students are safe on the school bus, and while entering and exiting the vehicles, but when drivers don’t obey the speed limits and traffic laws, it can be very dangerous and even tragic,” said WVDE Transportation Director Jimmy Lacy. “This school year, a child was hit by a car as he was attempting to board the bus, and there have been close calls reported. Fortunately, none of these resulted in fatalities.”
The most vulnerable time for children is when they are walking to their bus stop, entering or exiting the school bus or walking home. In rural areas where winding roads can lead drivers around blind turns, pedestrians can be at risk. Factoring in students looking at their cell phones while walking and motorists doing the same while driving, and accidents can happen. With Daylight Savings Time ending in early November, many students will be boarding buses during the dark hours of the morning, and drivers need to take the necessary steps to drive with caution.
“Many counties are taking additional precautions with additional lights on the extended safety bar, and on the bus’s stop sign, but if someone is not paying attention, these things do very little to help,” Lacy said.
Families are encouraged to remind children of school bus and bus stop safety practices. These include waiting for the bus to come to a complete stop with red lights flashing and the safety bar extended, and waiting for the bus driver to signal them that is safe to cross the road and board the bus.
According to West Virginia state code, passing a stopped school bus carries a minimum of a $500 fine and/or up to six months in jail for the first offense.
Nationally, the NASDPTS reported 31,127 illegal morning bus passings, 2,217 at mid-day, and 33,914 in the evening. Visit the NAPT website for more school bus safety resources.
To learn more about school bus safety, watch this video made possible through cooperation with Kanawha County Schools and the Charleston Police Department.
