Daily, more than 14,000 school buses travel North Carolina highways transporting children to and from school. Most motorists stop when they meet school buses, as required by North Carolina law. However, on an average school day in North Carolina nearly 3,000 motorists disregard school bus stop arms.
“Sadly, in the last few weeks we have had one child killed and three others struck as they were attempting to get onto their buses,” SHP Commander Bill Grey said. “This must stop. Whenever you see a stopped school bus, flashing lights and an extended stop arm, you should stop your car. It’s that simple.”
The departments of Transportation and Public Instruction, along with the State Highway Patrol held a joint press conference at the State Fair Oct. 20 to increase awareness of school bus stop arm safety.