As the 2026–2027 school year begins, local school communities are reminding motorists that school buses, student pedestrians and young people waiting at bus stops will once again be part of the morning and afternoon commute.
Students at Carroll Consolidated School Corporation, Delphi Community School Corporation, Clinton Central School Corporation and the Community Schools of Frankfort will begin classes Wednesday, August 5. Students at Clinton Prairie School Corporation and Rossville Consolidated School District will return Thursday, August 6.
Drivers should allow additional travel time, slow down in school zones and watch carefully for children walking along roads, crossing streets or waiting to be picked up. Young students can be difficult to see, particularly during the early morning hours.
Illegal passing of stopped school buses remains a serious concern. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, more than 1,500 motorists illegally passed stopped school buses during a single-day survey in Indiana in 2023. During federal fiscal year 2025, Indiana law enforcement officers issued 645 citations for stop-arm violations through the state’s enforcement program.
A flashing yellow light means a school bus is preparing to stop. Drivers should slow down and be ready to stop. When the bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, students may be entering the roadway. Motorists must stop as required by Indiana law and remain stopped until the lights are no longer flashing, the stop arm has been withdrawn and the bus begins moving.
Passing a stopped school bus is not simply a traffic violation. It places a child’s life in immediate danger. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that children are especially vulnerable while boarding or leaving a bus. A few seconds of impatience or distraction can have consequences that permanently affect a child, a family and an entire community.
Area school communities are asking every driver to help protect students:
- Put the phone down and keep your attention on the road.
- Slow down near schools, bus stops and residential areas.
- Watch for children walking or riding bicycles.
- Prepare to stop when a school bus activates its yellow lights.
- Never pass a bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended.
The schools and communities we serve are hopeful for a safe, successful and productive school year. Every motorist shares responsibility for making that possible.
Please put the phone down, remain alert and watch out for our children. Let’s have a safe school year.
Sources: Indiana Criminal Justice Institute school-bus safety data, Indiana’s 2025 Traffic Safety Annual Report, INDOT school-bus stopping guidance and NHTSA school-bus safety guidance.