Back to School Safety: Important Reminders for Drivers in School Zones and Around Buses

With the new school year underway, local officials are reminding drivers to use extra caution in school zones and around school buses to help keep students safe.

Drivers are urged to obey posted school zone speed limits, which can be as low as 20 or 25 miles per hour during specific times, such as 7:50-8:50 a.m. and 2:20-3:20 p.m. Officials emphasize staying alert, watching for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly, and following designated drop-off and pick-up procedures at schools. Longer car rider lines are common at the start of the school year and may cause delays.

When sharing the road with school buses, motorists should never pass a stopped bus that has flashing lights and an extended stop arm. This law is designed to protect children entering and exiting the bus. Drivers are reminded to stop far enough behind a bus to allow children to cross safely.

The North Carolina School Bus Stop Law states that on a two-lane road, all traffic in both directions must stop for a stopped bus. On a divided highway with a median, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus is required to stop.

Authorities encourage all drivers to plan for possible delays, remain patient, and follow the rules to help ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.