Virginia Drivers Reminded to Stop for School Buses
As National School Bus Safety Week begins, drivers must follow state law by stopping for buses loading or unloading students.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Special Education
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Do you trust that drivers in your area are cautious enough around school buses?
As National School Bus Safety Week runs from October 19 to 23, 2026, Virginia State Police are urging drivers to follow all traffic laws around school buses. This reminder follows recent incidents in Scott and Tazewell counties involving student and bus safety.
Why it matters
School bus safety is a critical community concern as drivers are legally required to stop for buses loading or unloading students to prevent accidents. These reminders follow recent local collisions that highlight the risks students face during their daily commute.
Traffic fatalities involving children on school buses account for less than 1% of total incidents. Recent reckless driving charges were filed against drivers in Scott and Tazewell counties following October 2026 collisions.
The players
Virginia State Police
The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling Virginia highways and enforcing student transportation safety laws.
Myron L. Mcamis
A 64-year-old driver from Chuckey, Tenn., charged with reckless driving in the Scott County incident.
Leslie A. Varney
A 31-year-old driver from North Tazwell, Va., charged with reckless driving in the Tazewell County incident.
The details
Virginia law mandates that drivers stop for any school bus that is actively loading or discharging passengers. The only exception to this rule is if the driver is traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway. Following recent incidents in Scott and Tazewell counties, officials are reminding parents to teach children how to behave safely and avoid playing near active bus stops.
Timeline
October 19-23, 2026: National School Bus Safety Week.
October 2026: Scott County juvenile injury incident.
October 2026: Tazewell County school bus collision.
The Home Front
Virginia's school bus stopping law remains a cornerstone of state transit safety, requiring strict adherence to stop signals when children are present. Local police enforcement acts as a necessary deterrent to ensure these safety regulations remain effective on high-traffic corridors.
Drivers should double-check their local route for school bus stops and always remain vigilant for children when lights are flashing. Parents should reinforce the rule that children must never play, run, or wait near the edge of the street while waiting for the bus.
The takeaway
Maintaining awareness of traffic laws protects students as they travel to and from school throughout the year. Please review the Virginia school bus stopping requirements to ensure you are fully prepared to stop safely when buses are loading or unloading.
Further reading
Learn more about student transit resources in Virginia Special Education.
Live Poll
Do you trust that drivers in your area are cautious enough around school buses?
