School Bus Safety: Here’s what to know as children return to the classroom

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – School bus safety and driver awareness are headlines as children head back to the classroom across the Queen City this week.

AAA suggests budgeting an extra half hour for your morning commute as more parents take their children to school during the first few days of school.

If you get stuck behind a bus, your urge might be to speed, but you risk injuring children and being arrested.

One survey showed that 39 % of drivers confessed to speeding in a school zone and 33 % admitted to using their handheld cellphone while driving in those zones.

Laws are also applicable to pedestrians including children wearing earbuds. Students should wear reflective gear and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Bus stop safety is also being emphasized. It is illegal to drive around a school bus when lights are flashing and the stop arm is out. The exception is divided highways with raised dividers.

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