South Cook News

The Park Forest Police Department is urging drivers to observe school bus safety laws during National School Bus Safety Week. The department emphasizes the importance of stopping for school buses when their red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, a requirement under Illinois law unless a physical barrier divides the roadway.

Park Forest Deputy Police Chief Kristopher Vallow stated, “Too often, violations of stop-arm rules put our youngest citizens at risk. Our goal is to prevent tragedies. Officers will focus on school bus safety this week, but we encourage drivers to remain vigilant every day of the year.”

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2023 Crash Facts & Statistics Report, there were 1,026 crashes involving school buses in Illinois last year. While there were no fatalities among students riding buses, 78 students and 40 bus drivers sustained injuries.

National data from the National Safety Council shows that between 2014 and 2023, there were 971 fatal school bus-related crashes across the United States. These incidents resulted in 1,079 deaths—averaging about 108 each year—with most victims being occupants of other vehicles rather than bus passengers.

Estimates from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services suggest that approximately 40 million illegal “stop-arm” violations occur annually throughout the country.

Vallow also said, “Beyond obeying the law, drivers should always stay alert for children walking near buses and bus stops. A few extra seconds of patience can save a life.”

The police department encourages residents to talk with their families about school bus safety and reminds motorists that yellow flashing lights indicate caution while red flashing lights and an extended stop arm require them to stop.