School bus safety takes center stage as state leaders prepare for start of school year

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Ahead of the start of the 2023-2024 traditional calendar school year, several state leaders gathered Monday afternoon to address school bus, pedestrian and rider safety.

"To really make a difference, we've got to embrace this collective responsibility," said Mark Ezzell, director the Governor Cooper's Highway Safety Program. "When we all embrace this responsibility to drive safely around school buses, we can achieve our vision of zero traffic deaths and injuries involving school buses."

According to NCDOT, in 2022 there were a total of 1,075 crashes involving school buses. Of that figure, 786 people were injured and eight people died.

Raleigh Police Department said there had been a total of 101 traffic violations related to school zones and school buses so far in 2023. The department said 98 of those violations were speeding in a school zone; three of them were violations related to not stopping for a school bus.

"You can't legislate common sense and courtesy" said state insurance commissioner Mike Causey.

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With the new plan, some students will arrive up to thirty minutes after school starts.

Monday's school bus safety event included a Guilford County family speaking about the lasting impact a school bus crash had on them.

The family's 6-year-old son was hit by a car earlier in 2023 after he got off a school bus.

"Once we got to the hospital they worked on Jaxson in the trauma bay and placed him on life support," said mother Sarah Franklin.

Thankfully, Jaxson Franklin survived the incident and is returning to school this week. Others, however, might not be as fortunate.

School bus safety tips:

• 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

"Having to spend 2 minutes to wait for those babies to get on that bus will not impact your commute time by that much," Franklin said.

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Bus, walk, bike, or family car, 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.

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 back:

• 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