Skip to main content

Collinsville Community Unit School District #10

Envision. Empower. Achieve.

Help Us Keep Kahoks Safe: Bus & Traffic Safety Reminders

Posted Date: 08/19/26 (10:15 AM)
View Original Post


A yellow school bus is parked in a grassy field under a blue sky with clouds.
With the new school year underway, we want to remind families and the community to be aware of school buses and children at bus stops.  

Please take a moment to review the following information.  

Safety Tips and Rules for Families and Students

Bus Stop Safety Rules

  • Arrive early: Get to the stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives.
  • Stand back: Wait at least 10 feet (five giant steps) away from the curb or road.
  • Cross safely: Always walk in front of the bus—at least 10 feet out—and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
  • Never go back: If you drop something near or under the bus, do not try to pick it up. Tell the driver immediately.
Inside the Bus
  • Remain seated: Stay facing forward with your bottom and back against the seat while the bus is moving.
  • Keep aisles clear: Store backpacks and books out of the walking path.
Safety Tips and Rules for Drivers

Information for drivers approaching a school bus:

Illinois law and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) require all drivers to STOP at least 20 feet away from a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. 

Stopping Rules by Road Type
  • Two-lane roadway: Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
  • Multi-lane roadway (4 or more lanes): Only vehicles traveling behind the bus must stop; oncoming traffic may proceed with caution.
  • Divided highway: Only vehicles behind the bus must stop.
The Danger Zone
The 10-foot area around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to give them space.

Quick Rules to Remember:
Yellow flashing lights: Slow down. The bus is getting ready to stop.
Red flashing lights and stop-arm: Stop completely. Stay stopped until the lights turn off and the arm goes back in.

Bus Transportation Safety
  • Our transportation partners at First Student receive extensive training to keep children safe.  
  • IDOT regulates mandatory safety inspections for all Illinois school buses every 6 months or 10,000 miles, alongside thousands of unannounced checks.
  • Our district holds bus safety drills each school year to give students the opportunity to know what to expect in case of an emergency and demonstrate how to follow directions to stay safe.  
Be patient today, keep kids safe on their way.