Wyoming Highway Patrol Issued Bus Safety Reminders
Officials have reminded drivers of traffic laws ahead of National School Bus Safety Week.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Administration
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Do you feel drivers in your community prioritize student safety around school buses enough?
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has issued a reminder regarding mandatory traffic stops for school buses with flashing red lights. This guidance comes as Wyoming prepares for National School Bus Safety Week, which highlights the dangers children face when boarding or exiting buses.
Why it matters
Children face heightened safety risks while entering or leaving buses, making adherence to traffic signals critical for prevention. Nearly two thirds of school-age pedestrian fatalities over the last decade occurred during these boarding or unloading periods.
Wyoming law mandates that motorists in both directions stop for buses with flashing red lights, even on roads with four or more lanes. Drivers must remain stationary until the bus resumes motion or the flashing lights are deactivated.
The players
Wyoming Highway Patrol
This state agency is responsible for enforcing traffic laws and ensuring public safety on Wyoming roadways.
Sheridan School Districts
These educational entities oversee the operation of school buses and facilitate annual vehicle safety inspections.
The details
In Sheridan County, law enforcement and bus barn staff conduct annual safety inspections to identify and repair faulty equipment on vehicles. Motorists are also reminded that bus drivers use flashing yellow lights to signal they are preparing to stop, giving drivers time to slow down.
Timeline
National School Bus Safety Week occurs October 19-23, 2026.
Sheridan School Districts perform school bus inspections annually.
Culture Shift
The push for stricter traffic enforcement reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing pedestrian safety in school zones. These efforts align with the recurring awareness goals of National School Bus Safety Week, which advocates for safer interaction between student commuters and modern traffic.
Drivers must be prepared to stop for school buses on all roads, regardless of the number of lanes, to avoid potential citations. Incorporating these extra seconds into your daily commute ensures student safety and helps maintain compliance with Wyoming traffic regulations.
The takeaway
Drivers should remain vigilant for yellow warning lights and be prepared to stop for flashing red signals at all times. Staying alert during these boarding periods is the most effective way to protect student pedestrians in your community.
What happens next
National School Bus Safety Week is scheduled to take place from October 19 through October 23, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on state school transportation guidelines, visit Administration.
Live Poll
Do you feel drivers in your community prioritize student safety around school buses enough?
