JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. (Oct. 20, 2025) — School Bus Safety Week kicks off Monday, October 20, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging drivers, parents, and students to prioritize school bus safety.

As students across the state travel to and from school, the Patrol emphasizes that proper behavior on and around school buses is essential for everyone’s safety.

Parents are encouraged to remind children of school bus etiquette. Students should remain seated quietly, avoid blocking the aisle, and never shout, throw objects, or extend limbs out of windows. Awareness of emergency exits and following driver instructions are also key.

When exiting, students should use the handrail and stay at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street.

Drivers are reminded to watch for school zones and obey school bus stop signs. Missouri law requires motorists to stop when meeting or following a stopped school bus on a two-lane road. On four-lane highways, drivers must stop only when following the bus.

Motorists should remain alert, as children may unexpectedly step into the roadway. The Patrol advises allowing extra time during school commute hours and urges all drivers to stay patient and vigilant.

“Safe driving around school buses doesn’t just protect students, it protects everyone on the road,” the Patrol stated.

School Bus Safety Week runs through October 24.

Paul Barnard Editor

Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

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