Author: DPS Communications Team
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is participating in Operation Stop Arm during Oct 21-25 to enforce stop arm violations and other traffic violations in and around school zones. The campaign hopes to raise awareness of school bus safety. Follow the tips below to help ensure every stop is a safe school bus stop for children.
When to stop:
- 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
Other tips:
- Follow the bus driver’s signals – The school bus driver will signal with their hands when it is safe for the rider to cross the street when boarding and exiting the bus. Children should watch and wait for the all-clear signal from their driver.
- Wear bright clothing – The bright colors make it easier for drivers to see the children.
- Stand off the road – Children should stand at least 10 feet from the road when waiting for the bus. This keeps children off the road and out of traffic.
- Something is dropped – If a child drops something while walking to the bus, they should not pick it up. They should notify the bus driver and follow the driver’s instructions. The child may not be seen by the driver if they bend down and pick up the object.
- Look before getting off the bus – Bus riders should look to the right before disembarking the bus. Drivers sometimes try to pass buses, illegally, on the right.
- Waiting for a bus rider – Parents should wait for their child on the side of the road that the child is dropped off. If a bus rider must cross the street to meet their parent, they might be excited about seeing them and forget to look before crossing the road.
For more information on school cross safety visit: ncbussafety.org.