GREENSBORO, N.C. — When the first day of school rolls around it typically means some extra traffic returns, too. On a typical day, more than 14,000 school buses carrying nearly 800,000 students operate on North Carolina roads according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
Officer Tom Fetzer with the Greensboro Police Department's traffic safety unit is reminding people whether walking, driving, or riding the bus to school they should keep safety in mind.
Operation School Watch – School Zones Active beginning 8/26
- Fine + court cost for speeding in school zone - $441
- Fine + court cost for passing a stopped school bus - $691 plus 5 points on the license
HOW TO HANDLE SCHOOL BUSES ON THE ROAD: WHEN YOU NEED TO STOP, WHEN YOU CAN GO
Two-lane roadway:
When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop on a two-lane roadway.
Two-lane roadway with a center turning lane:
When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop on a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane.
Four-lane roadway without a median separation:
When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop on a four-lane roadway without a median separation.
Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation:
When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop on a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation.
Roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane:
When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop with a roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane.
Safety when driving:
- If you see a school bus with lights flashing, slow down and prepare to stop.
- Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.
- Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off the bus.
Passing a stopped school bus can result in the motorist adding four insurance points to their policy and potentially doubling their auto insurance premiums.
Safety for pedestrians:
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street or road, walk facing traffic.
- Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
- Don't walk while texting or talking on the phone.
- Don't walk while using headphones.