As students across Minnesota returned to school last week, AAA urges drivers to stay alert and use caution on the roads. “Traffic tends to spike during the first days of school as Minnesotan families settle into their school year routines,” said Brynna Knapp, spokesperson for AAA. “Allow extra time to your morning commute, watch for additional pedestrians, and take it slow. We all want each other to get to our destinations safely.”
According to a recent AAA survey, more than half of Minnesotans regularly drive through school zones (53%) or by school bus stops (54%) during their daily routes.
Reminder: School Bus Traffic Laws
Minnesota law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended. Drivers in Minnesota must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.
New Minnesota Traffic Safety Data
Per a new AAA survey, 93% of Minnesotans report knowing the laws for passing a school bus when its red lights are activated – and 96% believe distracted driving near school zones poses a major risk to children’s safety.
At the same time:
- 11% of Minnesota drivers report often or sometimes driving around a school bus when its red flashing lights are activated.
- 12% of Minnesota drivers report often or sometimes using a hand-held cell phone while in an active school zone.
- 17% of Minnesota drivers report often or sometimes speeding while in an active school zone.
"Drive like your own child or family member is in the crosswalk”, Knapp said. "Minnesotans do the right thing, and that means putting the phone down, slowing down in school zones, and limiting distractions."
How to: Drive Safe in School Zones
It’s as straightforward as A-B-C:
A - Avoid distractions
Stay Focused on the road. No texting, eating or multitasking while driving.
B - Brake for safety
Slow down and stay alert. School zones are unpredictable, so be ready to stop at a moment’s notice.
C – Check for pedestrians and bicyclists
Watch for school zone signs, crossing guards, AAA School Safety Patrollers, and anyone walking or biking. Always yield and drive cautiously.
Cars Kill Kids
Nationwide, nearly 1 out of every 5 children (14 and younger) killed in traffic crashes are pedestrians. While pedestrian deaths are rarely the victim’s fault, the start of the school year is a great opportunity to reinforce safe habits.
Safety Tips for Walkers
Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using headphones or looking down at your phone when near traffic.
- Use sidewalks where available. If not, walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
- Make yourself easier to be seen by wearing reflective, bright colored clothing.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to make sure the vehicle is stopping.
Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Scooters
- Always wear a helmet.
- Ride with traffic and use bike lanes when you can.
- Do not wear headphones so you can detect approaching traffic.
- Cross streets at intersections - not from between parked cars.
Safety Tips for Bus Riders
- Arrive at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Stand five steps away from the curb.
- Wait for the bus to stop completely and for the bus driver’s signal before boarding.
“Getting around the world should be a delight, no matter how old you are or how you choose to go,” Knapp said. “It can only be that way if it’s safe. Drivers should take special care to look out for the vulnerable - and pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users should always be mindful that their safety is often, unfortunately, in their own hands.”
About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey
The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in Tennessee from July 11 – 21, 2025. A total of 400 residents completed the survey. Survey results have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9% points. Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Tennessee.
About AAA - The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
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