SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

4 Easy Actions to Help Stop Human Trafficking

Easy, practical ways school districts and contractors can help stop human trafficking this January and beyond.

January 5, 2026
An orange and red graphic with a photo of a TAT School Transportation Poster.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed on January 11th, which was designated by the U.S. Senate in 2007.

Photo: TAT/School Bus Fleet

2 min to read


Human trafficking is happening all around us, hidden in plain sight. The good news is that there are millions of transportation professionals in North America, including hundreds of thousands of school transportation employees, uniquely positioned to recognize and report it.

TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking) aims to equip every frontline transportation professional to recognize and report human trafficking. To date, more than 121,000 members of the school transportation industry have completed TAT training, strengthening a nationwide “mobile army” of informed professionals.

Ad Loading...

This January, campaigns across the United States will be spreading awareness about the realities of human trafficking during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month (NHTPM). TAT believes every person can make a difference in ending this type of crime and, in doing so, offers resources for individuals, districts, and companies to join the movement.

Here are four easy actions districts and contractors can take to join the cause:

1. Implement Anti-Trafficking Training

TAT offers free training resources specifically created for members of the school transportation industry. Individuals can complete training via TAT’s free online learning portal.

Training can also be implemented for groups during in-service training or other professional development opportunities. Reach out to info@tatnonprofit.org to access free training resources.

2. Take Advantage of TAT’s Weekly Webinars

Throughout the month of January, TAT is offering weekly webinars during NHTPM, open to TAT partners and the general public. These virtual sessions will help broaden awareness about the realities of human trafficking, how it affects local communities and industry, and how every individual can actively combat it.

Ad Loading...
  • Jan. 7: Modern Slavery at Work: Recognizing and Responding to Labour Trafficking

  • Jan. 13: Disaster and Exploitation: Understanding the Link Between Crisis and Trafficking

  • Jan. 22: Shut Out Human Trafficking: Major Sports Events and Human Trafficking

  • Jan. 30: The Role of Parents and Trusted Adults in Combating Human Trafficking and Online Exploitation

TAT Director of Industry Engagement Lexi Higgins poses with TAT materials.

TAT Director of Industry Engagement Lexi Higgins holds some of TAT’s youth-focused materials at a TAT event in Oklahoma City, OK, in May 2025

Photo: TAT

3. Join the Conversation on Social Media

While the fight against human trafficking is a year-round battle, NHTPM is an important opportunity to join a national conversation about the issue and leverage the country-wide momentum gained on the topic.

Using TAT’s social media guide, which includes sample graphics and captions, post on social media channels to spread awareness about human trafficking.

4. Raise Awareness Year-Round

The conversation doesn’t end in January! TAT’s Partner Communications Plan provides examples of external and internal human trafficking messaging for your district or organization to use throughout the year. It includes a theme for each month, sample graphics and other assets, press resources, and more.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed on January 11th, which was designated by the U.S. Senate in 2007.

School Buses Against Trafficking: How to Protect Students from Exploitation

More Safety

Fatal School Bus Accident in New York graphic dated Jan. 29, 2026, showing a close-up of a yellow school bus with cracked-glass overlay and School Bus Fleet logo.
Safetyby StaffFebruary 3, 2026

New York 5-Year-Old Killed by School Bus, Investigation Ongoing

A Rockland County child was struck by their school bus late last week. Here's what we know so far about this and other fatalities and injuries in the area over the years.

Read More →
A red, orange and yellow graphic with anti-pinch door sensor products and text reading "Maine's New Mandate: Anti-Pinch-Sensors & Bus Safety."
Safetyby Elora HaynesJanuary 29, 2026

Prevent School Bus Dragging Incidents: Anti-Pinch Door Sensors and Maine’s New Mandate

As Maine becomes one of the first states to require anti-pinch door sensors on new school buses, manufacturers like Mayser offer a look at how the technology works and why it's a critical fail-safe.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations

What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
an illustration of a survey on a mobile phone with a hand on it, and the words Survey Says on it
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 28, 2026

Survey: Most Parents Want Automated Enforcement on School Buses

A recent Verra Mobility survey reports that 82% of parents support safety cameras to penalize stop-arm violators and 70% favor automated enforcement in school zones.

Read More →
Image of an extended stop-arm with text reading "School Bus Safety: Funding Provides Bus Upgrades Across Ohio."
Safetyby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

State Grant Program Advances School Bus Safety Upgrades Across Ohio

$10 million in state grants will fund safety upgrades and new features on school buses serving students across the Buckeye State.

Read More →
A white Waymo vehicle waits at a crosswalk as a family crosses.
Safetyby StaffJanuary 26, 2026

Waymo Scrutiny Intensifies as NTSB Launches Investigation

After complications in multiple cities when self-driving taxis failed to stop for school buses, the NTSB joins NHTSA in a probe to determine what's behind the tech and related safety concerns.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transportant stop arm camera shown on an orange “new product” graphic with School Bus Fleet branding.
SafetyJanuary 20, 2026

Transportant Debuts First Full-Color Stop Arm Camera for School Buses

Transportant introduced a next-generation stop arm camera designed to improve image quality and reliability for documenting illegal school bus passings.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.

Read More →
An image of a student with a backpack walking with text reading "Walking School Bus: Grant Fuels Safer Pedestrian Routes to School in New Mexico."
Safetyby Elora HaynesJanuary 15, 2026

New Mexico District Receives $2.7M Grant to Expand Walking School Bus Programs

See how a federal grant will help Albuquerque Public Schools expand supervised walking routes and improve student safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration showing a school bus with a standard stop arm and a deployed retractable safety barrier extending across the roadway to block passing vehicles.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 13, 2026

Florida Inventor Creates Retractable 10-Foot Stop-Arm

A newly developed school bus safety device introduces a retractable barrier designed to deter illegal passing during student loading and unloading.

Read More →