The Norfolk Police Department (NPD) joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in recognizing National School Bus Safety Week during the week of October 20–24, 2025.
This annual campaign serves as a vital reminder of the importance of school bus safety and the shared responsibility of drivers, parents, and communities to protect our youngest passengers.
School buses play a critical role in safely transporting millions of children around the nation to and from school each day, and remain the safest mode of transportation for students, but safety depends on everyone following the rules of the road.
Children walking to and from bus stops can be unpredictable and unsure of how they navigate roadways. Drivers are reminded to use extra caution during morning and afternoon school hours.
NPD recommends motorists adhere to the following key safety tips:
• Stop for flashing red lights and extended stop arms — this means children are boarding or exiting the bus.
• Slowdown in school zones and watch for children walking or biking. Several school zones in and around Norfolk are equipped with speed cameras.
•Avoid distractions while driving, especially near bus stops and school areas. If you are entering into an active school zone you should mentally elevate your level of alertness.
•Teach children safe behaviors around buses, including staying visible and waiting for the driver’s signal before crossing.
Traffic Officers will be conducting targeted patrols throughout the week in and around school zones to monitor reduced speed limits during crossing times and to ensure compliance with Virginia’s school bus laws.
Violations may result in fines, points on your license, and increased insurance costs.
For more information on school bus safety and NHTSA’s campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Let’s work together to keep Norfolk’s children safe — on the bus, at the stop, and on the road.