Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Office of School Bus Safety
Advancing the Safety of Student Transportation in 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)
Did You Know?
Winter Driving and Safety Checks
The winter months are upon us, and we are taking the time to remind you of the importance of driving safely and ensuring the students are safe as well. Things to consider are slowing down in wintery weather, increasing your following distance, brake gently, being aware of your surroundings, and being prepared for hazardous conditions. Perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of the bus and clear it of any snow and ice before driving. Remind students about the school bus danger zone and remaining visible while waiting at the bus stop. Students exiting the bus should be aware of black ice and other dangers that could put them at risk of harm. When students exit the bus, confirm that they are safe and out of the danger zone before disarming the red lights and stop arm. Finally, the school bus driver should complete their end of route inspection when the last student exits the bus to ensure that no students, or any items, are left behind.