RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) – With most traditional public schools across North Carolina preparing to start the week of Aug. 24, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is reminding drivers, students and parents to make safety a priority. Causey says drivers should never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and its stop arm extended. Doing so is a Class 1 misdemeanor and can result in four insurance points being added to a driver’s policy, potentially doubling premiums.

Yellow flashing lights mean a school bus is preparing to stop, so drivers should slow down and use caution. Drivers should also yield to pedestrians, avoid blocking crosswalks and slow down in school zones.

Pedestrians are encouraged to use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk facing traffic. Students should also avoid texting or talking on the phone while walking. Parents are encouraged to practice walking routes to school with their children before classes begin.

For students riding bicycles, Causey recommends wearing a properly fitted helmet, following the rules of the road, using hand signals and wearing bright-colored clothing. Causey says everyone has a role in keeping children safe as the new school year gets underway.