October 19–23, 2026 marks National School Bus Safety Week, an annual initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of school bus safety and protecting students as they travel to and from school.
Montville Township Public Schools joins school districts across the country in recognizing this important week and reminding motorists, parents, and students that school bus safety is a shared responsibility.
Each school day, school buses transport students throughout Montville Township, making countless stops to pick up and drop off children. While school buses are among the safest forms of transportation for students, the moments when children are entering or exiting a bus require extra attention from everyone on the road.
One of the most important reminders for motorists is simple: When you see a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, stop. New Jersey law requires motorists to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights, with specific rules depending on the type of roadway. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus's red lights are turned off and it is safe to proceed. Passing a stopped school bus illegally can have serious consequences, but more importantly, it puts children's lives at risk.
Drivers should also remember that flashing yellow lights mean a school bus is preparing to stop. Slow down, remain alert, and be prepared to come to a complete stop when the red lights activate.
MTPS encourages everyone in our community to follow these important safety reminders:
Motorists: Eliminate distractions, obey posted speed limits, and remain especially alert near school bus stops, school zones, and residential neighborhoods.
Parents and Guardians: Remind children to wait in a safe location away from the roadway, never approach a moving bus, and always follow the bus driver's instructions.
Students: Stay seated while the bus is moving, avoid distractions when boarding or exiting, and never walk behind a school bus. If crossing the street is necessary, wait for the driver's signal and make sure it is safe before proceeding.
All Community Members: Be especially mindful of children walking or biking to school, waiting at bus stops, or participating in after-school activities, particularly during early morning and evening hours when visibility may be reduced.
As daylight hours become shorter during the fall season, increased awareness is especially important. Students may be waiting at bus stops before sunrise or returning home from activities as darkness approaches.
National School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder that keeping our students safe requires more than just following traffic laws. It requires patience, attentiveness, and a commitment from the entire community.
The safety of our students is always a priority at Montville Township Public Schools. We thank our bus drivers, transportation personnel, families, and community members for doing their part to ensure students arrive at school and return home safely each day.
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The slogan for 2026 is “safe rides, everyday heroes” created by middle schooler Sai Darshana Yekolu of Prosper, Texas. This reminds us that we all need to take part in keeping New Jersey’s students safe every day. Be a hero and help spread this message.