School’s Open: New Colo. Driving Laws, Data

DENVER (Aug. 14, 2024) – As kids across Colorado return to the classroom and the crosswalk, drivers must mind new laws aimed at protecting vulnerable student pedestrians.

HB25-1230, passed into law this year with AAA’s support, requires drivers to stop at least twenty feet before any stopped school bus - even if it’s in an oncoming lane. The only exception is if there’s a physical median, barrier, or island separating the lanes. That’s a change from the previous law, which allowed drivers to continue travel if the lanes were separated by paint. 

“Traffic tends to spike during the first days of school as folks settle back into a routine," said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “It’s no secret that things are hectic. Amid all the excitement, Coloradans should never forget the way we do things here: We look out for one another, especially our most vulnerable – like kids getting off the school bus."

Motorists breaking this law for the first time can receive a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense and face between 10 and 90 days in jail and up to $300 in fines.  HB25-1230 also authorizes the use of school-bus-mounted vehicle identification systems to identify when drivers break the law - which could also result in a $300 fine. 

“If you break the law, you will get caught and you will get fined,” McKinley said. “And that should be a real scarlet letter: Who doesn’t stop for a school bus?” 

New Colorado Traffic Safety Data
Per a new AAA survey, 87% of Coloradans report knowing the laws for passing a school bus when its red lights are activated – and 95% believe distracted driving near school zones poses a major risk to children’s safety. 

At the same time: 

• 11% of Colorado drivers report often or sometimes driving around a school bus when its red flashing lights are activated. 
   
• 17% of Colorado drivers report often or sometimes using a hand-held cell phone while in an active school zone. 
   
• 17% of Colorado drivers report often or sometimes speeding while in an active school zone. 

"What would you want drivers to do if it was your kid in the crosswalk?" McKinley said. "It's not rocket science. It's the right thing to do. Slow down and put the phone down."

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. Drive cautiously, and know that kids are more inclined to dart out between cars than adults. 

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,” McKinley 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 Colorado 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 Colorado.