Slow down: Brunswick County deputies remind drivers of school bus laws

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — With students preparing to return to school, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers and families about North Carolina’s school bus safety laws.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and watch for children around school buses, bus stops, neighborhoods and crosswalks.

What drivers need to know

When a school bus displays yellow flashing lights, drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.

When a bus has red flashing lights and its stop arm extended, drivers must stop as required by North Carolina law.

Drivers should remain stopped until the red lights are off, the stop arm is retracted and the bus begins moving again.

The Sheriff’s Office also reminds drivers that children may unexpectedly enter the roadway near bus stops.

School bus safety tips for students

Students are encouraged to:

• Arrive early at their bus stop.
• Stand at least six feet from the curb.
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.
• Form a line and go directly to a seat.
• Use the handrail when getting on and off the bus.
• Listen to the bus driver.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.

Students should never walk behind a school bus, run or play around the bus stop, run in the aisle or push while boarding or riding.

The Sheriff’s Office also advises students not to touch emergency exits or windows unless directed to do so.

Officials say drivers should put away distractions and give themselves extra time around school buses.

“A few extra seconds of patience can help prevent a tragedy,” the Sheriff’s Office said.