Lexington, SC, October 24, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina officials are emphasizing school bus safety during National School Bus Safety Week, highlighting the importance of keeping children safe during their commutes. With over 340,000 students transported daily, officials stress the need for drivers to slow down and stay alert, particularly in loading zones. Recent statistics reveal a high number of illegal passing violations, prompting a community effort to ensure safety around school buses. New safety measures, including stop-arm cameras and advanced technology, aim to protect students and prevent accidents.
Lexington, SC – South Carolina officials are taking significant steps to promote school bus safety during National School Bus Safety Week, observed from October 20-24. A press conference held by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) on Tuesday morning emphasized the importance of keeping children safe during their commute to school.
Every day, over 340,000 students are transported by school buses across South Carolina, which make approximately 200,000 stops daily. To coincide with this year’s campaign, officials are advocating for drivers to remember the motto, “Slow down and stay alert,” throughout the week.
The Importance of Safe Driving
South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver highlighted that the loading and unloading zones around school buses can be particularly dangerous. The area within 10 feet of the bus is especially critical where safety is concerned. Statistics from the last school year indicate that the most common violation is the illegal passing of school buses, and there were over 3,901 reports of such incidents.
The counties of York, Greenville, Horry, and Lexington reported the highest number of violations, with specific areas in Lexington County, including the intersection of Augusta Road and Pinecrest Avenue, Princeton Road, and Ramblin Road, being noted for stop arm violations.
Driving Safety Campaigns and Measures
South Carolina Highway Patrol Commander Col. Christopher Williamson urged all drivers to strictly obey traffic laws when driving near school buses. Emphasis was placed on the consequences of violating school bus safety laws, which can result in major fines, points on driver’s licenses, and potential jail time.
In recent years, significant improvements have been observed in the safety of school buses in South Carolina, with the average age of school buses cut in half. The installation of stop-arm cameras on 450 vehicles has enabled the documentation of violations of school bus safety laws. Additionally, enhanced safety features such as collision avoidance and stability control systems are being incorporated into buses.
Advanced Technology for Enhanced Safety
To further increase the safety of transportation, school buses are now being equipped with 3D GPS tablets that improve the tracking of pickups, providing benefits for both drivers and parents.
Parents and teachers are also encouraged to remind students about proper bus stop safety protocols to foster a culture of safety among young passengers. Motorists are urged to remain alert in school zones and to stop for school buses when required by law to protect the well-being of children during their commutes.
Community Involvement
This week’s campaign underscores the critical need for community cooperation to ensure children’s safety during their travels to and from school. With the increase in transportation safety measures and community awareness, officials hope to minimize violations and prevent accidents.
Conclusion
The National School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder for everyone to prioritize safety as children travel to school. The ongoing efforts in South Carolina are part of a larger initiative to ensure the safety of young students during their daily commutes.
FAQ Section
What is National School Bus Safety Week?
National School Bus Safety Week is observed from October 20-24 and focuses on promoting safe practices around school buses.
How many students are transported by school buses in South Carolina?
Over 340,000 students are transported by school buses in South Carolina each day.
What is the most common violation related to school buses?
The most common violation is the illegal passing of school buses, with over 3,901 reports last year.
Which counties reported the highest number of violations?
York, Greenville, Horry, and Lexington Counties reported the highest number of violations.
What measures are being taken to improve school bus safety?
Stop-arm cameras have been installed on 450 vehicles, and buses are being equipped with new safety features including collision avoidance systems.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Students Transported Daily | 340,000 |
| Buses Making Daily Stops | 200,000 |
| Reported Violations Last Year | 3,901 |
| Counties with Highest Violations | York, Greenville, Horry, Lexington |
| Vehicles with Stop-Arm Cameras | 450 |
| Safety Features Introduced | Collision avoidance and stability control systems |
| Technology in Buses | 3D GPS tablets |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: School Bus Safety Week in SC
- Wikipedia: School Bus Safety
- WACH: State Officials Highlight Safety
- Google Search: School Bus Safety
- ABC Columbia: SC School Bus Safety Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bus Transport
- WCNC: SC School Bus Safety Laws
- Google News: South Carolina School Bus Safety
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