What drivers need to know about school bus safety as students head back to school

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's that time of the year when students and teachers head back to the classrooms. That means thousands of school buses on the roads and a lot more officers patrolling school zones and bus stops to ensure our precious cargo gets to school and home safely. That said drivers need to do their part.

Whether a child rides a bus, bike, in the family car, or walks to school, ABC11 has compiled some road rules, from various law enforcement agencies, for a safe arrival to school and a safe return home.

Riding the Bus - Bus stop safety tips

• Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early

• Parents or a trusted adult should be at the bus stop every morning and afternoon

• Stay out of the street and pay attention to your surroundings

• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting on or off

• Stay seated and keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times

• Do not distract the bus driver

Attention Drivers!

• Drivers must stop for red, flashing lights and extended 'stop' arms

• Pedestrians should walk on the sidewalk instead of the street

• Drivers must never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

• Drivers should give school buses at least a 10-feet buffer

When to STOP for a school bus

• Two-lane roadway - All traffic from both directions must stop

• Two-lane with a center turning lane - All traffic from both directions must stop

• Four-lane roadway - All traffic from both directions must stop

• Four-lane roadway with a median - Only traffic following the bus must stop

• Four or more lanes with a center turning lane - Only traffic following the bus must stop

Know the main THREE blind spots--Front, Side, Rear!

Here's where a bus driver can lose sight of a child:

• FRONT - It's never safe to walk close to the front of the bus. Children should walk five giant steps ahead of the bus before crossing in front of it.

• SIDE - Children should always stay three giant steps away from the side of the bus.

• REAR - NEVER walk behind the school bus.

Costly Violations

• A driver in North Carolina can be fined a $500 for passing a stopped school bus and get a five-point penalty on their driver's license

• A driver who passes a stopped school bus and hits someone will face a minimum of a $1,000 fine as it's a Class I felony

• The penalty increases to a Class H felony and a fine of $2,500 if someone is killed

Walkers

• If your child walks to school, here are safety reminders

• Always use the safest route and don't take shortcuts

• Strengths in numbers: Try walking with other students and families

• Use designated crosswalks

• Always look both ways before crossing the street

• Walk, never run across intersections

• Never, ever get into a vehicle with anyone without a parent or guardian's permission

Biking to School

If your child's school allows them to ride their bike:

• They should always wear a helmet that fits well

• Travel along the safest route

• Follow the rules of the road

• Ride along with other students when possible

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