First Day Of School For CMS Prompts Warning To Families, Drivers

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte metro schools will kick off a new school year this week, which means area motorists should be on the lookout for more children on sidewalks and along roadways.

And as children take to sidewalks to walk to the bus stop or school, it's a good time for families to review stranger danger safety tips, according to Mecklenburg County's top elected law enforcement officer.

“Parents, by taking the time to carefully prepare your child on how to handle these situations, you can ensure your child’s safety whether they are on their way to school or home, playing on a playground or riding their bikes,” Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, said in a statement. “Drivers should also be extra vigilant this time of year as more are children walking back and forth to school.”

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools begin Wednesday, Aug. 25.

SEE ALSO: Back To School In Davidson: 2021-22 CMS School Calendar

Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office recommends the following:

• 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.

SEE ALSO: Back To School Bus Safety: When NC Drivers Need To Stop

The first days of school can be deadly in North Carolina, and across the nation, as motorists re-familiarize themselves with laws requiring them to halt when the school bus stop arm is extended.

An average of seven school-age children die every year in school bus crashes, but nearly three times that number are killed waiting for or getting on or off the bus, according to School Transportation News.

In North Carolina, school buses are allowed to use stop-arm cameras to combat drivers who pass illegally.

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