Wake leaders emphasize alertness for drivers around buses as school year begins

Be aware, be vigilant and slow down.

That's the message from leaders in Wake County on Monday, regarding bus safety as children head back to school.

In 2022, 786 people were involved in school bus accidents. Eight people were killed, including a child, which is why leaders gathered to remind drivers to be vigilant and alert as students return to the classrooms.

Soon, more buses will be on the road, which means drivers need to brush up on school safety bus laws to prevent accidents and injuries.

Wake County wants drivers to keep heads up, phones down, be patient, be alert and slow down.

The main message was use common sense and common courtesy when near a school bus and always leave more than 10 feet of space between you and the bus, even more if the stop arm is out.

A family from Guilford County spoke on Monday as a warning to parents after their son, Jackson, was hit last year by a driver passing a bus and went 40 feet into the air. Jackson was on life support for weeks but survived.

"Please be mindful and patient of kids getting on bus," said Sarah Franklin. "Don't speed, pay attention to roads and buses and know that having to spend two minutes to wait for babies to get on bus will impact your commute."

There are strict penalties for passing a stopped school bus including points on your license and insurance hikes, it's also a felony if you hit someone.

Leaders are also asking parents to teach their children to look left right and left again before getting on the bus and stay off devices while at the school bus stop.