State Officials Urge Back-to-School Safety for Motorists and Students

As families return to campuses across North Carolina this fall, roads and sidewalks will be busier than ever. From bustling parking lots to crowded bus stops, everyone, including students, parents, drivers and community members, plays a role in keeping our school zones safe.

Student Safety Guidelines

Teach children to:

• Cross only at marked crosswalks or intersections and make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb
• Stay off phones and remove earbuds while walking; even a moment’s distraction can be dangerous
• Walk on sidewalks whenever available; if none exist, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible
• Wear bright or reflective clothing; many schools distribute reflective wristbands or bag tags at orientation
• Follow crossing guard and school staff directions; never dart into the street between parked cars
• Use designated drop-off and pick-up points to avoid unsafe roadside stops
• Plan and practice walking routes with a parent before the first day
• Secure children under age 8 and under 80 pounds in a federally approved car seat or booster until they reach age 8 or 80 pounds; those under age 5 and under 40 pounds must ride in the back seat if available
• Ensure riders under age 16 wear bicycle helmets that meet CPSC standards; failure to do so is an infraction with up to a $10 fine

Motorist Safety Guidelines

• Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms; on two-lane roads all traffic stops, on divided highways only traffic behind the bus stops
• Slow to posted school-zone limits, typically 15 to 25 mph when lights are flashing—and obey all signage
• Speeding in a school zone is a primary offense carrying a $250 fine and three license points
• Municipalities may deploy speed cameras in school zones; citations carry a $250 fine without license points
• Texting or emailing while driving is prohibited for all drivers; violations carry a $100 fine, drivers under 18 face a $25 fine and school bus drivers face a $100 fine
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians
• Avoid distractions; enable Do Not Disturb, secure loose items and save in-car tasks for when parked
• Be prepared for children’s unpredictable movements near bus stops and playgrounds
• Large school buses in North Carolina are exempt from seat belt requirements; smaller buses must have belts and riders should use them

Infrastructure and Community Programs

• Join Safe Routes to School grants to fund sidewalks, crosswalks and flashing beacons
• Participate in National Walk to School Day each October to highlight pedestrian safety
• Host adult-supervised “walking school buses” where groups of children walk together
• Engage PTAs in drop-off/pick-up planning and volunteer crossing-guard programs
• Install speed-feedback signs that display approaching vehicle speeds in school zones

Seasonal Hazards

• Morning fog and low sun glare reduce visibility; use headlights and slow down
• Wet leaves create slippery surfaces; clear gutters and intersections promptly
• Heavy rain or flooding may force detours; monitor NCDOT alerts and choose alternative routes
• Plan for hurricane evacuations; know designated safe zones and bus routes

Resources and Reporting

• NCDOT Watch for Me NC program: watchformenc.org
• NC Department of Justice Consumer Protection: ncdoj.gov/complaints or 1-877-566-7226
• NC State Highway Patrol traffic complaints: 1-800-441-6127
• Safe Routes to School NC: ncdot.gov/programs/safe-routes-to-school
• NC Injury and Violence Prevention Branch: injuryfreenc.ncdhhs.gov

By following these updated guidelines and leveraging local programs, North Carolinians can help ensure every student’s journey to and from school is as safe as possible.