Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins plans to announce further steps on school bus safety legislation in coming weeks. The measures aim to prohibit drivers from overtaking school buses at stops. Kimmins stated her department has a dedicated team developing the rules.

In March 2025, 11-year-old Caitlin-Rose McMullan died after a car struck her as she exited a school bus in Castledawson, County Londonderry. She attended St Pius X College in Magherafelt. Her mother, Stella McGinn, called for prompt law changes to avoid further incidents. McGinn noted multiple families have faced losses due to current safety gaps.

Northern Ireland has no legal requirement for vehicles to stop when school buses load or unload pupils. Dr Damien Gates, a consultant at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast, treated McMullan after the crash. Gates reported medical staff have handled similar cases frequently.

Hospital records indicate an average of one child admitted to intensive care each year over 15 years after being hit while exiting a school bus. In the last six months, two additional children suffered severe injuries in related events. Police Service of Northern Ireland data shows nearly 700 children aged 4 to 18 died on roads during school terms since 2020.

Translink recorded 13 injuries and one death from vehicles striking passengers shortly after they alighted its buses between 2020 and 2025. The Education Authority operates school buses equipped with flashing lights and signs. The authority promotes safety messages online and shares videos with schools.