10/13/2026
🚌 A Reminder That School Bus Safety Matters
Earlier today, Fire District 3 crews; Engine 33, Engine 32, and Battalion 31 responded to a reported vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision involving a child who was crossing a roadway to board a school bus.
Fortunately, the child sustained what appeared to be minor injuries and did not require ambulance transportation to the hospital.
While we're grateful this incident did not result in more serious injuries, it serves as an important reminder of just how quickly an ordinary morning can take an unexpected turn.
Every school day, children throughout our community cross busy roadways to board and exit school buses. Their safety depends on all of us remaining attentive, patient, and aware of our surroundings.
🚍 A few important reminders for drivers:
- Slow down and stay alert when traveling near school bus stops, especially during morning pickup and afternoon drop-off hours.
- Watch for children waiting near roadways or preparing to cross. Children can be difficult to see and may move unexpectedly.
- Know the school bus laws. Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean drivers must stop as required by law.
- Eliminate distractions. A moment of inattention can have life-changing consequences.
- Allow extra time and be patient. A brief delay is a small price to pay for the safety of a child.
Parents and caregivers, this is also a great opportunity to talk with your children about safe practices when approaching, boarding, and exiting their school bus. Remind them to wait for the bus driver's signal before crossing and to look carefully for approaching vehicles.
We share our roadways with some pretty precious cargo. Whether you're behind the wheel, waiting at a bus stop, or helping your child get ready for school, we all have a role in keeping our kids safe.
We're thankful today's outcome was not more serious, and we hope this reminder helps prevent a future tragedy.
Stay alert. Slow down. Protect our kids.
While the circumstances surrounding today's incident are not the focus of this message, the opportunity to remind our community about the importance of school bus safety certainly is.
