Official Site of The State of New Jersey

The Office of School Bus Safety is committed to advancing the safety of student transportation in New Jersey through dedicated educational, compliance, and enforcement efforts. Our mission is to safeguard every student's journey, upholding the highest standards of safety in school transportation services.

Promoting Safety Through Education, Compliance, and Enforcement

“The safest way to transport children to and from school is by school bus. In fact, students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car.” (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA)

The most dangerous aspect of school buses is loading and unloading. Unfortunately, some motorists fail to follow the rules by driving around the school bus and ignoring the flashing lights. This puts students in grave danger.

Most school bus-related accidents occur within a 10-foot radius around the bus, where the driver has limited visibility. This area is called the "danger zone." It extends to 30 feet in front of the bus. To avoid accidents, teach your child to use caution when getting on or off the bus and always to stay out of the danger zone.” (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - NJMVC)

The school year has ended, but summer fun has just begun! During summer transportation for camp, field trips, and sports, it is important to remember a few key safety factors. Many school buses do not have air conditioning and can reach temperatures well into the 100-degree range, leaving it up to lowered windows for ventilation. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather, pack water, limit the use of electronics which adds heat, and follow any additional instructions from the bus driver. Additionally, the bus driver should understand the warning signs of heat-related illnesses and call for help should an emergency arise. Remember: beat the heat and stay cool with these safety tips. We hope that everyone has a fun, safe summer!