Oct. 20, 2025
The Springfield Police Department (SPD) and the Greene County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) are partnering with Springfield Public Schools (SPS) to promote student safety during National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 20-24, 2025.
Throughout the week, SPD and GCSO traffic officers will increase patrols near select SPS bus routes and loading zones both in the city and the county to enforce stop-arm violations and educate drivers.
“When a school bus extends its stop arm and the red lights are flashing, it’s not a suggestion. It’s the law,” said Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams. “Stopping protects lives and keeps our community’s most vulnerable members safe. If one reminder or one stop prevents a tragedy, then every effort is worth it.”
“Our deputies will be watching for violations, but this campaign is about more than enforcement. It’s about awareness,” said Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott. “When we prioritize safety at school bus stops, we’re showing our commitment to the wellbeing of every family in Greene County.”
This year’s theme, “Safe Stops. Stronger Communities,” emphasizes that every traffic stop is a chance to protect lives. Each student’s safety depends on every driver paying attention and obeying traffic laws designed to protect every child on the school bus.
“Every stop is a chance to do the right thing,” said Springfield Public Schools Police Chief Jim Farrell. “Together, we can make sure every child safely gets to and from school.”
The campaign runs Oct. 20-24, but drivers are encouraged to always practice safe, attentive driving.
Enforcement efforts are funded, in part, through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division.
About Springfield’s Commitment to Safer Streets:
Since the launch of the nationally recognized SGF Yields pedestrian safety campaign in 2017, the Springfield Police Department, in partnership with Springfield Public Works, have made strides in improving crosswalk compliance and the safety of Springfield motorists and pedestrians through education, engineering, and enforcement. Learn more about SGF Yields and get additional safety tips at springfieldmo.gov/SGFYields.
Additionally, in late 2024, Springfield City Council adopted the Safer Streets SGF Plan by implementing the Vision Zero safety strategy. The goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2040 and disabling injury crashes by 2050. This effort aligns with the Safer Streets SGF Plan. Learn more and find out how to get involved at springfieldmo.gov/saferstreets.
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