NC Students Return to School as Officials Highlight Bus Safety in Busy Traffic

Back-to-School Season and Increased Bus Traffic

As the back-to-school season begins, road traffic involving school buses is on the rise. This time of year brings heightened awareness for safety, especially for those walking, driving, or riding to school. Experts emphasize the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to protect students and other road users.

According to data from the Insurance Commissioner's Office, over 14,100 school buses in North Carolina transport nearly 800,000 students annually. These buses cover more than 181 million miles each year, highlighting the significant role they play in student transportation. However, this increased activity also brings risks. The National Safety Council reported 128 school bus-related deaths in 2023, along with thousands of traffic violations, including 5,189 speeding charges in school zones and 968 charges for failing to stop for a stopped bus.

Commissioner Mike Causey stressed that everyone has a part to play in ensuring student safety. “We all have a critical role to play in keeping our children safe,” he said. “Drivers need to be on the lookout for crowded crosswalks and school buses on the road, and parents need to talk to their children about the importance of traveling to school safely. It takes all of us working together to help keep accidents down.”

Key Safety Tips for Different Road Users

For Drivers

When encountering a school bus with flashing lights, drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. Here’s what the different light signals mean:

• Yellow flashing lights: Indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms: Signal that the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off.

In addition to these signals, drivers must follow specific rules:

• Do not block crosswalks.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise extra caution in school zones.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Maintain a safe distance from the bus to allow children room to enter and exit safely. The area within 10 feet of the bus is particularly dangerous for children.

For Pedestrians

Walking to school requires attention and awareness. Here are some essential tips:

• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right, and left again to check for vehicles.
• Never dart out in front of a parked car.
• Parents should practice walking to school with their children and teach them how to cross streets or use crosswalks when available.
• Avoid distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or using headphones while walking.

For Bike Riders

Bike riders, especially children, should follow these safety measures:

• Always wear a properly fitted and secured helmet.
• Learn and follow the rules of the road: ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and walk the bike across.
• Be cautious of opening car doors and other potential hazards.
• Use hand signals when turning.
• Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility.

For Bus Riders

Students who ride the bus should also be aware of safety procedures:

• Teach children the proper way to board and exit the bus.
• Line up six feet away from the curb as the bus approaches.
• If seat belts are available, make sure to buckle up.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before standing.
• When crossing the road, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

By following these guidelines, everyone can contribute to a safer environment for students during the back-to-school season. Awareness, education, and cooperation are key to preventing accidents and ensuring that every child reaches school safely.