Back to School Safety Tips

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Students are back on sidewalks, at bus stops, and in crosswalks across Cary. Here's what drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and families need to know to get everyone where they're going safely.

School Buses & Traffic Rules

To safely share the road with buses, drivers should always stop when behind a bus with its crossing arm extended.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Drivers must stop when facing the bus on a two-lane street, a two-lane street with a center turning lane, or a four-lane street without a median separation. On a divided highway or a road with a center turning lane, only traffic following the bus is required to stop.

Diagram illustrating the NC School Bus Law across 5 roadway configurations: two-lane roadway, divided highway of four lanes or more with median, two-lane road with center turning lane, roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane, four-lane road without a median separation.

Source: NCDOT, NC School Bus Stop Law reference guide

Pedestrians

Use sidewalks when possible. If you must walk in the road, walk facing traffic so you can see and react to approaching vehicles.

Bicyclists & E-bike Riders

Riders should wear a properly fitted helmet, obey traffic laws, stay alert, and use sidewalks, greenways, and crosswalks where appropriate. Families are encouraged to review safe routes together and ensure students understand how to safely share the road with motorists and pedestrians. More information can be found at carync.gov/ebikes.

Tips for Families & Drivers

STUDENTS AND PARENTS:

Cross in crosswalks.
Watch for and obey crossing guards.
Look both ways before crossing the street
Be careful crossing multiple lanes of traffic.
Make sure each lane of traffic is clear before you cross.
Pay attention — avoid distractions like cellphones while walking.
Obey signs and signals.
Cross where you have the best view of traffic.
Walk on the sidewalk; if there is none, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible.

ADULT AND TEEN DRIVERS:

Know when to stop for school busses
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Obey all posted school zone speed limits.
Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
Before turning, be sure the path is clear.
Slow down near bus stops, schools, and playgrounds.
No drinking and driving.
Buckle up.
Avoid distractions such as food, passengers, and mobile devices.
Texting while driving is illegal in North Carolina.
Don't speed.

Penalties for Passing a Stopped School Bus

$500 - Base fine + 5 points
For motorists caught passing a stopped school bus, plus five points against their drivers license.

$1,000 – Class I Felony
Minimum fine for a driver who passes a stopped school bus and strikes someone.

$2,500 – Class H Felony
Fine if a driver passes a stopped school bus and someone is killed as a result.

Concerns about traffic safety?

Residents who have concerns about traffic safety around schools or observe ongoing traffic violations are encouraged to contact the Cary Police Department at (919) 469-4012. Community feedback helps officers identify areas where additional enforcement or education may be needed.

Residents and visitors should always call 911 to report immediate threats to life, property, or public safety.