Carter High School encourages all parents to discuss the following safety measures with their children:

• Always arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.

• While the bus is approaching make sure to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, then wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it’s okay to board.

• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.

• Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.

• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.

Motorists should remember the following:

• Children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.

• If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.

• Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.

• Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended. This is a sign that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorists must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

• Learn and obey the school bus laws in North Carolina.

Here are some safety tips for those youngsters who will be walking back and forth to school this year.

• While walking, remember to always travel with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency.

• A stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well.

• You or your friend must never take candy, money, medicine or anything else from a stranger.

• If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don’t get close to the car (you could get pulled in) and never get in the car.

• Strangers can be very tricky — they can ask you to walk with them to “show” them something; they can offer to pay for your video game, or ask you to help them find a lost dog or cat. Don’t be fooled!

• Don’t tell anyone your name or address when you’re walking and don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you — they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or T-shirt.

• If you think you’re in any danger, yell and run to the nearest store or “safe house” or back to school.

• Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.