National School Bus Safety Week: Help Every Student Get to School and Home Safely
Every school day, children in Statesville count on drivers to help keep their journey to and from school safe. A moment of patience behind the wheel can make a lasting difference for a child stepping onto or off a school bus.
During National School Bus Safety Week, October 19–23, 2026, the Statesville Police Department reminds drivers, parents, and students that school bus safety is a shared responsibility. This annual observance highlights the importance of safe bus stops and preventing illegal school bus passing.
Drivers: Know the Lights and Be Ready to Stop
When approaching a school bus, pay attention to its signals and watch the surrounding area for children.
Flashing yellow lights: Slow down and prepare to stop. The bus is getting ready to pick up or drop off students.
Flashing red lights or an extended stop arm on a stopped bus: Drivers required to stop must come to a complete stop.
Before moving again: Wait until the stop arm is withdrawn, the red lights stop flashing, and the bus begins moving.
Children may be approaching the bus or crossing nearby, even when you cannot immediately see them. Give them time and space to do so safely.
When Must Drivers Stop in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s stopping rules depend on the roadway layout. Use this guide when a school bus stops to load or unload passengers with its red lights flashing or stop arm extended:
Roadway | Who much stop? |
Two-lane road | Traffic traveling in both directions |
Two-lane road with a center turn lane | Traffic traveling in both directions |
Four-lane road without a median seperation | Traffic traveling in both directions |
Divided road with a media or physical barrier separating opposing traffic | All traffic in the same direction as the bus; traffic on the opposite roadway is not required to stop |
Road with four or more travel lanes, plus a center turn lane | All traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus; opposing traffic is not required to stop |
A center turn lane does not automatically mean opposing traffic can continue. On a two-lane road with a center turn lane, drivers in both directions must stop. The center-turn-lane exception applies when there are at least four travel lanes in addition to that turn lane.
Parents and Students: Practice Safe Bus Stop Habits
Take a few minutes to review these reminders together:
- Arrive early. Be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival.
- Wait safely. Stay at least 10 feet from the curb and avoid running or playing near the road.
- Wait for permission to board. Approach only after the bus stops completely, the door opens, and the driver says it is safe. Use the handrail.
- Cross where the driver can see you. If you must cross, stay at least 10 feet in front of the bus, make eye contact with the driver, and follow the driver’s crossing signal. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
- Never walk behind the bus.
- Tell the driver if you drop something. Do not bend down to retrieve an item near or under the bus.
Make Safety Part of Every School Day
The Statesville Police Department encourages drivers to allow extra travel time during school arrival and dismissal, put away distractions, and watch carefully near bus stops and school zones.
Parents can help by reinforcing safe habits and making sure children understand the bus driver’s instructions. Together, we can help protect students throughout their daily journey.
Slow down. Stay alert. Know when to stop. Every student deserves a safe trip to school and home.
Statesville Police Department
330 S. Tradd Street
Statesville, NC 28677
704-878-3406
police.statesvillenc.net