A few simple habits can reduce risks. Children should stay away from traffic, remain alert, and follow their bus driver’s instructions. Drivers should slow down near bus stops and be prepared for children to enter or cross the roadway.

How Can Children Stay Safer at an Alaska School Bus Stop?

Children should wait in a safe location away from traffic, stay alert, avoid playing near the roadway, and follow the school bus driver’s instructions.

Parents should teach children to:

• Arrive at the bus stop with enough time to wait safely.
• Stay away from the roadway while waiting.
• Avoid running, pushing, or playing near traffic.
• Keep backpacks and other belongings away from the roadway.
• Pay attention when the bus approaches.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it.
• Follow the driver’s instructions when boarding or leaving the bus.
• Stay alert around the bus and nearby traffic.

Stay Away From the Road

Children should have a designated place to wait that keeps them away from moving traffic.

A common safety recommendation is to remain several steps back from the roadway rather than standing at the edge of the road. The exact waiting area should follow the instructions of the child’s school district and bus operator.

A bus stop is not a place to run, play, chase another child, or retrieve an item that falls into the roadway.

What Should Children Do Before Boarding a School Bus?

Teach your children to wait until the bus has completely stopped and the driver indicates that it is safe to board.

Children should:

• Wait away from the roadway.
• Stay together and remain calm as the bus approaches.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely.
• Board using the handrails.
• Move promptly to a seat.
• Follow the driver’s instructions.

Children should never run toward a moving bus.

How Should Children Cross the Road to Board a School Bus?

Some Alaska children must cross a roadway to reach their bus.

Children should follow the crossing procedures taught by their school district and bus driver. They should never assume that traffic has stopped simply because the bus is stopped.

Before crossing, children should look carefully for approaching vehicles and follow the driver’s instructions.

If the child must cross in front of the bus, the child should remain where the driver can see them and should not enter the roadway until it is safe to do so.

Parents should practice the bus route and crossing procedure with younger children before the school year begins.

What Should Children Do After Getting Off the Bus?

Getting off the bus does not mean the danger has passed.

Children should:

• Use the handrails when exiting.
• Move away from the bus as directed by the driver.
• Stay alert for nearby traffic.
• Follow the driver’s instructions when crossing.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Avoid running into the roadway.

Children should never assume that a vehicle approaching the bus can see them.

Alaska law specifically protects people crossing a roadway to board or leave a school bus. Drivers must yield to those people, whether or not they are crossing within a marked crosswalk.

Alaska School Bus Stop Safety for Drivers

Drivers have an important responsibility around school bus stops.

When approaching a school bus, slow down and prepare to stop. Watch for children near the roadway, especially during morning pickup and afternoon drop-off.

How Far Away Must Drivers Stop From a School Bus in Alaska?

Alaska law requires a driver approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights to stop at least 30 feet from the bus.

The driver must remain stopped until the bus proceeds and its flashing red lights are no longer illuminated.

Alaska DMV currently assigns six points for failing to stop for a school bus while it is loading or unloading.

Never try to pass a stopped school bus.

Watch for Children Near Alaska School Bus Stops

A school bus can block a driver’s view of children and the roadway.

Drivers should expect children to:

• Walk toward or away from the bus.
• Cross the roadway.
• Move unpredictably.
• Retrieve dropped belongings.
• Walk or bicycle near the bus stop.

Give children plenty of space and be prepared to stop.

Alaska also has a “SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD” warning sign. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities lists this as an official school-related warning sign.

When you see the sign, slow down and watch carefully for a school bus and children.

Alaska Weather Adds Another Safety Challenge

Alaska’s weather can change quickly. Children waiting for a school bus may encounter rain, snow, ice, wind, cold temperatures, or rapidly changing visibility.

Parents should make sure children are prepared for the conditions they may encounter while waiting for and traveling to school.

Depending on the season and community, that may include:

• Warm layers
• Gloves
• Hats
• Waterproof footwear
• Reflective clothing or material
• Lights or other visibility equipment when appropriate

Visibility becomes increasingly important as Alaska’s daylight decreases later in the year.

Bright or reflective clothing can help make children easier for approaching drivers to see.

What If the Bus Is Late?

Children should know what to do if a school bus does not arrive on schedule.

Parents should establish a simple plan with their children:

• Continue waiting in the designated safe location.
• Do not leave the bus stop with someone the child does not know.
• Do not walk into traffic to look for the bus.
• Contact a parent, guardian, school, or other designated adult if instructed to do so.
• Follow the school’s procedures for transportation delays.

Children should also understand that a delayed bus is not a reason to move closer to the roadway.

Alaska School Bus Safety Is a Community Responsibility

Keeping children safe at Alaska school bus stops requires cooperation from everyone.

Parents can teach children how to wait, board, exit, and cross safely.

Bus drivers can provide children with clear instructions and monitor their surroundings.

Drivers can slow down, watch for children, and obey Alaska’s school-bus laws.

Schools and communities can help identify and address hazards around bus stops.

Alaska School Bus Alert Pilot Project

Alaska has also explored technology to improve school-bus awareness. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has operated a school-bus audio-alert pilot in the Fairbanks North Star Borough through the 511 Alaska app, providing drivers with alerts when they approach participating school buses.

Protect The Alaska 2026–27 School Year With Safe Habits

A safe school year begins before a child boards the bus.

Parents can walk through the bus-stop routine with their children, identify where they should wait, discuss what to do when the bus arrives, and practice any necessary roadway crossing.

As the school year progresses, remember that Alaska’s weather, daylight, and road conditions will change.

Slow down, stay alert, and give Alaska’s children the time and space they need to get on and off the school bus safely.

As Alaska students return for the 2026-27 school year, safety extends beyond the classroom. Our Alaska Back-to-School Safety Series covers the most important risks families and drivers should understand – from school buses, school zones, and increased traffic to children walking or biking to school and staying safe during after-school activities. Start with our Alaska Back-to-School Safety Tips, then learn more safety tips for Alaska Kids Walking to School; Alaska After School Safety; this article: Alaska School Bus Stop Safety; and Alaska School Drop-Off Safety.

Disclaimer: This article series provides general educational information about Alaska School Safety for the 2026-27 School Year. However, it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Because every case is unique, consult a qualified Alaska personal injury attorney about your specific circumstances.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping injured Alaskans and those injured while visiting Alaska for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Alaska School Information Source: Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

Image generated and modified using ChatGPT – Prompt: Children being picked up for school in Fairbanks, Alaska

As Alaska students return for the 2026-27 school year, safety extends beyond the classroom. Our Alaska Back-to-School Safety Series covers the most important risks families and drivers should understand – from school buses, school zones, and increased traffic to children walking or biking to school and staying safe during after-school activities. Start with this article, Alaska Back-to-School Safety Tips, then learn more safety tips for Alaska Kids Walking to School; Alaska After School Safety; Alaska School Bus Stop Safety; and Alaska School Drop-Off Safety.

Alaska School safety tips for the 2026 through 2027 school year, including school bus, pedestrian, bicyclist and school zone safety for Alaska families.

Schools Are Back in Session Throughout Alaska: School Bus, Pedestrian and Driving Safety Tips for 2026

Alaska schools are back in session for the 2026–27 school year. As students return to classrooms, Alaska drivers should expect more school buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, and children near roads and school zones.

The beginning of the school year brings changes to traffic patterns throughout Alaska. Drivers may encounter children crossing streets, school buses making frequent stops, and increased traffic around schools during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup.

Slow down, stay alert, and give children extra space. A few seconds of caution increases Alaska back-to school safety and helps prevent a serious accident.

Alaska School Bus Safety Tips

School buses are large and highly visible, but the children getting on and off the bus can be much harder to see. Drivers should pay close attention whenever a school bus approaches a stop or activates its warning lights.

Keep these Alaska school bus safety tips in mind:

• Slow down when approaching a school bus.
• Never pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload children when its stop signal is activated.
• Watch for children who may run toward or away from a school bus.
• Give children plenty of room when they are entering or leaving the bus.
• Expect a child to cross the road after getting off a bus.
• Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the road.
• Be prepared for school buses to stop frequently, particularly during morning and afternoon commute times.

Can You Pass a Stopped School Bus in Alaska?

No. Alaska law requires drivers to stop for a school bus displaying its stop signal under the circumstances specified by law. Ignoring a school bus stop signal can put children at risk and can result in legal consequences.

Drivers should never assume that a child is safely out of the roadway simply because the bus has stopped.

Watch for Children Walking and Biking to School

The return of school also means more children walking and bicycling near Alaska roads.

Children may be difficult to see, particularly between parked vehicles, near intersections, or during Alaska’s changing daylight conditions. Drivers should slow down near schools, playgrounds, residential neighborhoods, and known pedestrian routes.

Remember to:

• Watch carefully for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks as required by Alaska law.
• Check carefully for children before turning.
• Take extra care when making a right turn at a red light.
• Look for pedestrians and bicyclists before entering or crossing a roadway.
• Slow down when visibility, weather, traffic, or road conditions make it necessary.

Never assume a child sees your vehicle. Make eye contact when possible and be prepared to stop.

Alaska School Zones Safety Tips

School zones require particular attention during the school day and during student drop-off and pickup.

Drivers should watch for SCHOOL CROSSING, SCHOOL XING, and other school-zone and pedestrian warning signs near Alaska schools. These signs identify areas where drivers should expect children walking or crossing the road.

A posted speed limit is not always a target speed. Drivers must operate at a safe speed for the conditions. Snow, ice, rain, darkness, congestion, poor visibility, or children entering the roadway may require a driver to slow down even further.

What Does “School Bus Stop Ahead” Mean in Alaska?

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities uses “School Bus Stop Ahead” warning signs in locations where a driver may not be able to see a school bus’s flashing lights from a sufficient distance before reaching the bus stop.

When you see this sign, slow down and prepare for a school bus to stop ahead.

Help Children Be Seen as Alaska Days Get Shorter

Visibility becomes increasingly important as the 2026–27 school year progresses.

Alaska’s daylight changes significantly throughout the school year. In many communities, children may eventually be walking to or from school, waiting for a bus, or participating in after-school activities during low-light conditions.

Parents can improve visibility by choosing school gear with reflective material.

Consider adding reflective material to:

• Backpacks
• Jackets and outerwear
• Shoes
• Helmets
• Bicycles and scooters

If a child’s existing clothing or backpack does not have reflective material, reflective tape can provide an inexpensive way to make the child easier for drivers to see.

Parents: Teach Children How to Stay Safe Around Traffic

Back-to-school safety is not only a driver’s responsibility. Parents should also remind children about basic pedestrian and school bus safety.

Teach children to:

• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Use crosswalks when available.
• Follow crossing guards and traffic signals.
• Stay away from moving vehicles.
• Wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it.
• Stay away from the roadway while waiting for the bus.
• Never run into the street to retrieve a ball, backpack, or other item.

Children should also understand that drivers may not always see them, especially in darkness, bad weather, or areas with limited visibility.

Support Alaska Schools

School safety depends on the entire community.

Whether or not you have school-age children, consider supporting your local school. Basic supplies such as notebooks, crayons, glue, scissors, pens, and other classroom materials can make a meaningful difference for Alaska students and teachers.

You can also consider donating reflective tape or other visibility gear that can help children walking or biking to school.

A small contribution can go a long way toward helping Alaska children start the 2026–27 school year safely.

Slow Down, Alaska

As Alaska schools return for the 2026–27 school year, drivers should expect changes in traffic throughout their communities.

Slow down. Watch for children. Stop for school buses when required. Yield to pedestrians. And give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

For parents, teachers, drivers, and students alike, a little extra attention can make Alaska roads safer for everyone.

Disclaimer: This article series provides general educational information about Alaska School Safety for the 2026-27 School Year. However, it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Because every case is unique, consult a qualified Alaska personal injury attorney about your specific circumstances.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping injured Alaskans and those injured while visiting Alaska for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Alaska School Information Source: Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

Image modified using ChatGPT – Prompt: Children Arriving At An Anchorage, Alaska Elementary School

Teach Your Children About Alaska School Bus Safety

Bus stops are often strategically chosen for convenience and safety but there are still dangers associated with waiting at a bus stop. Let your children know they should stay at least six feet (three giant steps) away from the road when waiting for the bus. Remind children that bus stops are not places to play tag or run around.

Children should arrive at least five minutes before the scheduled bus stop time. Children needing to cross the road to board the bus should know to look both ways before crossing the street. They should always walk in front of the school bus, not behind. Kids should walk roughly ten feet in front of the bus so the driver can see the child crossing. Children should always wait and make eye contact with the bus driver before running out in front of the bus.

In Alaska, children should be prepared for colder weather and buses arriving late. Ensure your child wears appropriate clothing for the weather, including gloves, hats and boots. Children should wear bright clothing when possible so passing drivers can see the children easily.

Driver Responsibilities

If you know a bus stop or school is located near your home, be sure to look for children when backing out of your driveway or garage. Use caution when traveling before school starts and after school ends each day. If you see a bus stopped with red flashing lights, stop at least 30 feet from the bus and never pass a stopped school bus.

Always look for children near school buses and bus stops. We can teach children about safety but it is everyone’s responsibility to create a safe environment and make sure children are arriving home safely after each school day.

Johnson Law has been serving Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: School Bus Safety; Justia U.S. Law

Image Source: Anchorage School District