National School Bus Safety Week runs October 18–22, 2027, a five-day focus on getting kids to and from school safely. The National Association for Pupil Transportation, or NAPT, leads it, though the groups behind it don’t list the year it started.
Third Full Week of October
Every year, Monday through Friday of October’s third full week, which in 2026 meant October 19 to 23.
NAPT promotes it with two other national pupil transportation groups. State education and safety agencies spread the word.
A Theme Chosen by Students
Students pick the slogan, in a way. Each year’s poster contest theme becomes the next year’s Safety Week theme, Ohio’s education department explains.
For 2026, that theme was “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.”
Thousands of school districts in more than 40 states take part in the contest. It’s open to students in kindergarten through 8th grade, plus special education students through 12th grade.
Winning posters move from state contests to a national round. Prizes go out after NAPT’s annual conference.
Why Bus Safety Matters
The bus itself is very safe. NHTSA calls it one of the safest vehicles on the road.
Deaths are falling. Fatalities in school-transportation-related crashes dropped 14%, from 128 in 2023 to 110 in 2024, NHTSA reports.
From 2015 to 2024, 119 people riding school buses died, 49 drivers and 70 passengers.
Ridership is enormous. About 26 million students rode school buses daily in a 2009 industry estimate, on 440,000 to 480,000 buses.
Much of the risk sits outside the bus. Kids should wait at least ten feet from the curb, NHTSA says, and walk ten feet ahead before crossing in front.
That keeps them out of the “danger zone,” where a bus driver may not see them. NHTSA notes that every state has stop-arm laws to protect children from other motorists.
Drivers have a part too. Oregon’s 2026 tips told them to stop for flashing red lights and put phones away during school pickup and drop-off.
Safety Tips for Families
Parents can practice the routine with younger kids before the week ends. A short walk to the stop together is a good start.
Dark fall mornings call for extra care. Bright or reflective clothing helps drivers see kids at the stop.
- Arrive at the bus stop early and wait well back from the road.
- Wait until the bus stops completely and the driver signals before walking toward it.
- Never walk behind a school bus.
- Use the handrail when getting on and off.
- Tell the driver if you drop something near the bus instead of picking it up.
- Stay seated and keep the aisle clear during the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National School Bus Safety Week?
In October, on the weekdays of the month’s third full week.
Who picks the theme?
It comes from the previous year’s student poster contest.
Do drivers have to stop for school buses?
Yes, when the red lights flash and the stop arm is out.
Can older students enter the contest?
Mostly no, though special education students of all grades can.