09/02/2026
Back to school means yellow buses, extra morning traffic and busier neighborhood streets. When you’re racing against the clock to drop off the kids and make it to your morning meeting, it’s easy to let speed sneak up on you. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Did You Know? (Fun Fact Time!)
The "5 mph" myth: On an average 10-mile city commute, speeding 5 to 10 mph over the limit only saves you about 60 to 90 seconds. That extra minute isn’t worth a ticket or possible crash.
School bus safety zone: Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop; flashing red lights mean stop immediately. Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights, regardless of whether the stop arm has been extended, when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads. In Minnesota, passing a bus with flashing red lights carries a minimum $500 fine!
Outsmart the Rush: Pre-Trip Hacks for a Stress-Free Morning
Prep night before: Outfit picks, lunch packing and backpack hunts are best handled before bed, not at 7:15 a.m.
Know your route: Construction and adjusted school zones can pop up overnight – check your GPS before turning the key.
Pad your schedule: Leaving 5 to 10 minutes earlier eliminates the panic when getting slowed down by unexpected red lights or traffic.
Planning ahead allows drivers to slow down, put distractions away – and stay focused on the road. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
