April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, bringing attention to the risks distractions pose on roadways, particularly in school zones and around school buses.

BusGates, a manufacturer of LED stop-arm extensions, is using the month to raise awareness about illegal passing of stopped school buses and to encourage drivers to remain alert. The company is also highlighting the experiences of school bus drivers, including Cindy Morris of Ball-Chatham School District in Illinois.

“It’s been a huge issue. I’ve literally had people just watch me drop off [students] and still go by,” Morris said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 43.5 million illegal school bus passings occur annually in the United States.

Distracted Driving and Behavior in School Zones

Distracted driving remains a significant safety concern for student safety. NHTSA reported 3,275 fatalities related to distracted driving in 2023, while the National Safety Council estimates an average of nine deaths per day from distracted driving crashes.

School zones present complex driving environments, with increased traffic, buses, and pedestrians during arrival and dismissal times. A survey of 2,000 parents and caregivers found that 75% have observed distracted students in school zones.

Reported student behaviors include:

• Texting (75%)
• Listening to music (55%)
• Crossing without looking both ways (54%)
• Talking on a cell phone (53%)
• Being distracted by peers (53%)

Survey respondents also reported observing distracted driver behaviors in school zones, including:

• Speeding (57%)
• Talking on a cell phone (54%)
• Texting (44%)
• Passing a school bus with its stop arm extended (37%)
• Distractions from passengers (26%)

Additional research from Verra Mobility found that 85% of Americans view distracted driving as equally or more dangerous than impaired driving, and 63% believe driver behavior has worsened in recent years. Despite this, 65% of drivers said they had not driven distracted in the past year, highlighting a gap between perception and behavior.

Surveys also show strong public support for enforcement measures in school zones, with 77% of parents and caregivers supporting automated speed enforcement and 96% supporting school bus stop-arm enforcement.

Find graphics you can use to increase public awareness about the dangers of distractions in school zones from Verra Mobility online here.

Stop-Arm Technology and Safety Measures

BusGates is promoting its stop-arm extension technology as one approach to improving visibility and reducing illegal passing incidents. Their device extends 5 feet into the roadway when a bus is stopped, increasing the visibility of the stop signal.

“It’s time to move beyond reactive tools after a child has already been put at risk,” said Dan Thompson, co-founder of BusGates.

Communities that have implemented stop-arm extensions have reported reductions in violations. The technology is currently in use in districts across 26 U.S. states and in Canada.

BusGates also encourages parents, educators, and communities to use Distracted Driving Awareness Month to discuss safe crossing practices and bus stop safety.

Safety officials recommend that drivers avoid phone use, reduce speed near school buses and stops, and remain alert for children who may cross unexpectedly.