Earlier sunsets bring renewed attention to school bus safety in Central Oregon

Central, Ore. (KTVZ) — With daylight saving time ending over the weekend, Central Oregon families and drivers are adjusting to earlier sunsets, bringing renewed attention to safety around school buses and bus stops.

Clocks moved back one hour Sunday morning, providing more daylight in the morning but bringing darkness earlier in the evening. In Bend, the sun is setting around 4:53 p.m. Monday, nearly an hour earlier by the clock than before the time change.

The shift serves as a reminder for motorists to remain alert around schools, neighborhood bus stops and areas where students may be walking or crossing streets, especially during late-afternoon activities.

Under Oregon law, drivers must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights are turned off. On roads without a physical median or barrier separating opposing traffic, drivers traveling in both directions must stop.

Bend-La Pine Schools encourages students to arrive at their bus stops five minutes before their scheduled pickup time, wait a safe distance from the road and follow the bus driver’s instructions when crossing.

Parents can also help by reminding children to use designated crossings, watch for approaching vehicles and wear bright or reflective clothing when traveling in low-light conditions.

As Central Oregon moves further into fall and winter, shorter days and changing weather conditions make awareness around school transportation especially important.