From the NC Department of Public Safety website:

All traffic must stop for a stopped bus, unless it is on a road of four or more lanes with a median or center turning lane. In those instances, oncoming traffic does not have to stop because children will not be crossing the road to reach the bus. Traffic following a bus must always stop with the bus. If in doubt, always stop for a school bus.

When to stop:

• Two-lane roadway – All traffic from both directions must stop

• Two-lane with a center turning lane – All traffic from both directions must stop

• Four-lane roadway – All traffic from both directions must stop

• Four-lane roadway with a median – Only traffic following the bus must stop

• Four or more lanes with a center turning lane – Only traffic following the bus must stop

Other tips:

• Follow the bus driver’s signals – The school bus driver will signal with their hands when it is safe for the rider to cross the street when boarding and exiting the bus. Children should watch and wait for the all-clear signal from their driver.

• Wear bright clothing – The bright colors make it easier for drivers to see the children.

• Stand off the road – Children should stand at least 10 feet from the road when waiting for the bus. This keeps children off the road and out of traffic.

• Something is dropped – If a child drops something while walking to the bus, they should not pick it up. They should notify the bus driver and follow the driver’s instructions. The child may not be seen by the driver if they bend down and pick up the object.

• Look before getting off the bus – Bus riders should look to the right before disembarking the bus. Drivers sometimes try to pass buses, illegally, on the right.

• Waiting for a bus rider – Parents should wait for their child on the side of the road that the child is dropped off. If a bus rider must cross the street to meet their parent, they might be excited about seeing them and forget to look before crossing the road.