Granville County Sheriff Charles R. Noblin, Jr. offers safety tips for students, parents and residents as the new school year begins.
If riding the bus, students should:
- * Stand a distance away until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens:
- * Make eye contact with the driver to be sure he/she sees you;
- * Never walk behind the bus;
- * Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus;
- * Be sure that clothing, drawstrings or book bags do not get caught on the handrail or in the door when entering and exiting the bus.
When biking:
- * Always give proper signals, keeping a firm grip on the handlebar;
- * Make sure you obey all traffic signs and signals, stopping completely at stop signs and always looking both ways before starting out again;
- * Allow plenty of room for a safe stop. Never follow cars of other bikes too closely;
- * Only one person belongs on a bike. Never let a second person ride with you.
When walking:
- * Remember to travel with a friend, whenever possible.
- * Don’t tell anyone your name or address if you don’t know them;
- * Never take money, candy or anything else from a stranger;
- * Always tell your parents or a teacher if a stranger has approached you;
- * If you think you’re in danger or don’t feel safe, get to the nearest public store or home of someone you know as quickly as you can.
Motorists should:
- * Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone;
- * Be alert to the possibility of youngsters walking or riding bikes in the road;
- * Slow down and prepare to stop whenever yellow school bus lights are flashing;
- * Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended;
- * Learn and obey North Carolina school bus laws.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 128 fatalities in school transportation-related accidents have been reported each year.
“Practicing safety and using precautions every day can help save our kids from serious injury,” Sheriff Noblin said. “We should all be extremely cautious when traveling, especially before and after school hours.”
The Granville County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 919-693-3213 for any safety concerns.