Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the launch of a $10 million grant program aimed at enhancing school bus safety, following recommendations from a working group. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.
“Today, I announced the launch of the new Ohio School Bus Safety Grant Program, which will provide $10 million to enhance safety of school transportation,” said Mike Dewine, Ohio State Executive – Governor. “The creation of this program was one of the recommendations suggested by the working group I convened to study the safety of our school buses. These funds will further the goal to ensure Ohio students are safe any time they ride the bus.”
According to DeWine, the School Bus Safety Grant Program is designed to assist districts in covering the costs associated with adding safety equipment to their school bus fleets. Earlier this year, the governor convened a working group to study incidents and best practices related to school bus safety. The grants are intended to reflect these recommendations. Typical upgrades eligible for funding include stop-arm cameras, exterior lighting, and driver-assist technologies that improve visibility and compliance at student pick-up points. This initiative is part of DeWine’s broader agenda focused on student safety and interagency coordination.
School buses are recognized as the safest mode of transportation for children traveling to and from school. Federal safety analyses indicate that students are significantly more likely to arrive safely when using a school bus compared to traveling by car. This is attributed to professional drivers, compartmentalized seating, and strict vehicle standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes layered protections such as visible stop arms and flashing lights to warn motorists, designated loading zones, and public education efforts aimed at reducing illegal pass-bys—key risks addressed by camera and lighting upgrades often funded through grants.
Ohio’s approach combines district investments with enforcement and inspection measures. The Ohio State Highway Patrol conducts annual inspections of every school bus along with spot checks throughout the year. Troopers and local police enforce the state’s stop-arm law to deter illegal passing at student stops. District transportation teams provide training for drivers on pre-trip checks, safe loading procedures, and emergency response protocols. Grant-funded technology like exterior cameras and improved lighting can support investigations and enhance driver awareness, complementing the Patrol’s inspection and enforcement mission statewide.
DeWine serves as Ohio’s 70th governor, having been first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. A member of the Republican Party, he has previously held positions as Ohio attorney general, U.S. senator, lieutenant governor, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives. His administration has prioritized public safety, K-12 support systems, mental health initiatives, and workforce development through bipartisan coalitions and state-local partnerships. DeWine’s office oversees statewide programs coordinating agencies on education, transportation, and public health priorities impacting families and communities.
