The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their students for the 2026-27 school year. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2025, one person was killed and 284 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. Last year, a total of 871 traffic crashes involved school buses in Missouri.
The Patrol would like to remind the public of the following safety tips:
Students
Stay alert while crossing the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never cross between parked cars. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street to make sure they see you. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never run into the street.
If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. If you are riding your bicycle or walking to school, it is imperative to pay attention for potential hazards or hear approaching vehicles.
If you ride a school bus, follow all safety tips: waiting in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk, never trying to retrieve items that fall under the bus, walking at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street, and sitting quietly on the bus and keeping the aisle clear. If an incident occurs, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver.
Most traffic crashes involving young drivers under the age of 21 occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. It is important to encourage young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job and to pay attention to the road. Distracted driving can lead to a traffic crash. Missouri is a hands-free state so buckle up and put the phone down.
Parents
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
The Patrol would like to remind both parents and students of the Courage2ReportMO program, which provides a safe and confidential way to report any concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. Concerns may include assault, sexual offense, weapons, human trafficking, planned school attack, school shooting, planned suicide, or terrorism threat (extremism). Those reporting may remain anonymous.
A report may be submitted through the Courage2Report website.
C2R Missouri tips are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. C2R Missouri requests a disposition report be returned on each tip report, notifying the Patrol of the outcome. For more information about Courage2Report awareness and education resources, visit the C2R Missouri website.
Motorists
Always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.
Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and is displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
