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
RELATED | New school buses coming to North Carolina schools this year