On September 16, 2025, Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Senate version of the Brake for Kids Act (S.2812). As you know, this legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to execute a national public safety messaging campaign designed to educate drivers about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus.
Similar to other well-known traffic safety marketing campaigns, this campaign will include television, radio, and other far-reaching advertisements aimed at addressing one of the most persistent safety issues in student transportation. The Senate introduction comes with a companion bill, H.R.2348, that was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 25, 2025, during the 2025 NSTA Capitol Hill Bus-In.
The yellow school bus remains the safest mode of transportation for children traveling to and from school. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), traveling by school bus is far safer than traveling in a passenger vehicle. Despite this strong track record, danger arises, not from within the school bus, but outside of the bus or at the bus stop itself. As students board or leave their buses, motorists who fail to stop for the school bus create life-threatening situations. Passing a stopped school bus is illegal in all 50 states, but these violations remain widespread. Continued dangerous decisions made by motorists every day have become a national safety crisis that exposes millions of children to unnecessary risk each school year.
The scope of the problem was highlighted at the 2025 National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Annual Meeting and Convention in Boston, where the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) released its annual one-day illegal passing survey. This year’s survey included reports from more than 114,000 school bus drivers across the country. In one day, those drivers documented 67,258 violations. When viewed across a 180-day school year, the data shows that drivers illegally pass stopped school buses millions of times a year. The survey makes it clear that awareness alone is not enough. Drivers need consistent, visible reminders and education to change their behavior.
NASDPTS data is consistent with additional survey data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In its survey, Driver Knowledge of School Bus Passing Laws: A National Survey, NHTSA found that while many drivers are aware of stop-arm requirements, confusion remained high in certain traffic scenarios, such as multi-lane roads, divided highways, and complex intersections. Throughout the survey, these were identified as areas where drivers tend to misunderstand their responsibilities.
Both the NASDPTS and NHTSA surveys highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive, nationwide public safety campaign. Localized efforts have not been effective in driving substantial amounts of behavioral change. The Brake for Kids Act will address the knowledge gap by ensuring drivers across the country are exposed to consistent, memorable messaging that reinforces both the legality and the obligation of stopping for school buses.
The Brake for Kids Act reflects years of NSTA advocacy on behalf of student safety. Earlier this year at the Bus-In, NSTA members from across the country met with lawmakers to emphasize the need for stronger federal action on illegal school bus passing. The Brake for Kids Act emerged as a top priority as it was introduced while we were in Washington, D.C. Prime sponsor, Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08), spoke to our group at the Bus-In reception, and on the Hill, our members shared firsthand stories of the dangers students face when motorists pass a stopped school bus. Additionally, we appreciate that Senators Young and Peters are championing this initiative in the U.S. Senate, which can help protect future generations of students.
With millions of children relying on school buses every day, the stakes could not be higher. These violations are more than just a number; they represent a child’s life put at risk by a driver’s inattention or disregard for the law. Now is the time for Congress to act, ensuring that student safety remains at the forefront of national priorities. The Brake for Kids Act provides an opportunity to create lasting change by raising awareness, correcting misconceptions, and promoting a clear understanding of the laws designed to protect children. Enactment of this legislation will ensure that the familiar sight of a stopped school bus remains a symbol of safety, and not potential danger.
The Senate introduction of the Brake for Kids Act represents a major step forward in NSTA’s mission to protect students. NSTA applauds this action and looks forward to continuing its advocacy on behalf of the 25 million children who ride school buses every day. I welcome the opportunity to engage with colleagues and stakeholders who share this mission, and I encourage those wishing to learn more about NSTA’s advocacy initiatives and the future of student transportation to contact me at president@yellowbuses.org.
Remember, with NSTA, you never travel alone.
