RICHMOND – The school year is in full swing for the entire Commonwealth and during National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 19-23), Virginia State Police want to remind drivers they can be everyday heroes by sharing the road with students and stopping for school buses when appropriate, ensuring everyone has a safe commute. This year’s theme is “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), less than one percent of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles.* However, the risk increases when a child is either departing or approaching a school bus.
On Oct. 7, 2026, a juvenile leaving a school bus on Route 23 in Scott County was struck by a dump truck that had swerved to avoid the bus. The juvenile suffered injuries, and the driver of the dump truck, Myron L. Mcamis, 64, of Chuckey, Tenn., was charged with reckless driving.
Additionally, on Oct. 12, 2026, a school bus in Tazewell County was struck as it stopped to let children depart along Route 460. A Subaru Outback behind the bus stopped but it was struck by a Subaru Legacy, forcing the Outback into the bus. The driver of the Legacy, Leslie A. Varney, 31, of North Tazwell, Va., was charged with reckless driving.
Virginia law requires a person driving a motor vehicle, regardless of direction, to stop for a school bus that is stopped and “taking on or discharging” passengers. The law does not require stopping if the vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway (Virginia Code § 46.2-859).
The NHTSA also reminds parents to speak to their children about school bus safety, reminding them not to run or play at the bus stop. Additionally, students should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before departing or boarding, and should always cross in front of the school bus.
