South Dakota Highway Patrol Launches Three Day School Bus Safety Outreach Event

Now that school is back in session around South Dakota, the Highway Patrol is taking time this week to make sure that students are getting to and from their schools safely.

Tuesday (September 8th), the South Dakota Highway Patrol kicked off a three‑day School Bus Safety Outreach to increase public awareness and reinforce safe driving behaviors around school buses statewide.

During the outreach period, troopers will partner with school districts to observe bus routes, monitor loading zones, and ensure motorists follow state school bus stopping laws. Patrol vehicles will be visible near school bus stops, loading areas, and along high‑traffic routes where children board and exit buses.

READ MORE: South Dakota Highway Patrol Increases Sobriety Checkpoints For September

The Highway Patrol’s goal is to remind drivers of safety requirements, reduce dangerous driving behavior, and help protect South Dakota students as they travel to and from school.

Troopers will take part in several activities:

• Following select school buses along their routes to observe motorist behavior
• Positioning marked patrol vehicles near loading zones to increase visibility
• Conducting targeted safety operations to identify violations and encourage compliance
• Providing safety reminders and information to community members and media

The Highway Patrol encourages all motorists to remain alert, slow down near school buses, and always stop when red bus lights are flashing. Small actions behind the wheel can prevent tragic outcomes.

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