Chester, SC – Law enforcement officials are urging Chester County drivers to use extra caution this week as the nation observes National School Bus Safety Week, running October 20–24, 2025.
According to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, many tragedies involving school buses happen when motorists fail to stop for extended stop-arms or ignore local traffic laws in school zones.
From 2000 to 2023, state data show 61 fatalities in crashes involving drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses — an average of 2.5 deaths each year.
Officials emphasized that passing a stopped school bus is illegal nationwide and poses deadly risks to both students and caregivers. Drivers must always come to a complete stop when a school bus extends its stop-arm and flashes red lights, the sheriff’s office said.
“This week serves as a reminder to all drivers of the importance of prioritizing children’s safety as they travel to and from school,” the department stated in a public post Monday. Authorities also encourage motorists to slow down in school zones, stay alert, and exercise patience during pickup and drop-off hours.
For more on safe driving and local enforcement initiatives, residents can follow the Chester County Sheriff’s Office online using #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek and #ChesterSCSheriff.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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