Safety rules to know as school buses hit the road for the new school year

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - As the new school year begins, school buses will once again become a common sight on roadways.

Now is the time to learn the rules of the road and go over bus safety with your kids.

Before kids step through the bus’s double doors, the bus driver has already completed their daily checks that ensure student safety.

“I kind of get upset when I don’t see vehicles slowing down and stuff because it’s the safety of the kid. I don’t have any kids, but if I if I did then I’d want them to be as safe as possible out there. So, I treat these kids like they’re mine,” said Joshua Burns, Brunswick County Schools bus driver.

Of course, Burns can only do so much and it’s other drivers on the road that have a responsibility as well.

“We have 147 buses on the road here in Brunswick County. So, you know that will cause a little delays for some people. Please, if you see a bus with the yellow lights come on that doesn’t mean to speed up, that means to slow down and that they’re getting ready to make a bus stop,” said Lloyd Willis, the Brunswick County transportation director.

When it comes to your kids riding the bus, it’s best to remind them to keep their distance so the bus can stop safely, remain seated at all times and keep an eye out for strangers or safety concerns when exiting the bus.

It also helps having bus drivers like Burns behind the wheel.

“I love it. I love driving the bus, I really do. I’ve had friends asked me, ‘Doesn’t it get nerve wrecking being behind the wheel of the bus?’ No, I love it,” said Burns.

On Monday, Aug. 28, you’ll see school buses flooding the streets for the first day of school. Just remember, always pay close attention for kids when driving near a school bus and make sure to stop when it is letting students on and off.

Copyright 2023 WECT. All rights reserved.