Here are some tips on Bus Stop Safety from the Fayetteville Police Department. For more information, call the Fayetteville, NC Crime Prevention Unit at (910) 433-1033.

• Children should not arrive at the Bus Stop too early.

• An adult should wait with children until the bus arrives. Take turns with other parents monitoring the Bus Stop before and after school.

• Remind children to stay to the side of the roadway. Most Bus Stops are at or near corners, which can be dangerous.

• Children should not go up on someone's lawn unless there is an emergency.

• Remind children NEVER to approach a car or driver of a car asking for directions or answer questions from strangers.

• Children will horseplay and run. Expect the unexpected!

• Older children can and do bully younger children. Listen to the stories your children tell about activity at the Bus Stop, many of them are true. Tell your child what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

• Teach your child to use the buddy system so he or she is never alone.

• If you live near a Bus Stop, observe the children and call police if there is a fight, disturbance or the children are yelling or screaming.

• If you notice a car driving through the neighborhood more than once or twice, call the police and give a good description of the car and driver.

• As you drive past a Bus Stop, be observant of occupied cars or adults watching children from a short distance away.

• Tell your child not to accept a ride from anyone he or she does not know, especially if they miss the bus or during inclement weather.