Habersham County Students return to School on Friday, August 8

By Rob Moore, Public Information Officer for the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office

As summer vacation draws to a close for Habersham County students, Sheriff Robin Krockum and his staff remind parents to prioritize safety as the county’s more than 7,000 students head back to the classrooms.

In Habersham County, morning school bus routes are from about 6 to 8 a.m., while afternoon routes are from about 3:15 to 5 p.m.

Habersham County Schools operate between 105 and 115 school bus routes daily, depending on the day and the need for shuttles.

Following are some tips to help prioritize safety:

Drivers: When you see a school bus stopped with its lights flashing and the stop sign extended, you must stop in both directions unless there is a physical barrier (concrete or grass median) between you and the bus. 

School zones: Be aware of the speed limits for any school zone through which you travel and remain alert for school resource officers or other authorized personnel directing traffic. Follow the posted speed limit, usually reduced in these zones, to protect students crossing the road or walking to school.

Traffic officers: Always obey the directions of our school resource officers, patrol deputies, or other authorized personnel working within local school zones.

Stay off your phone: Distracted driving is a major safety hazard, especially in busy travel areas such as school zones. In school zones, there is a mix of buses, parent drivers, in some cases student drivers, pedestrians, and regular traffic, so paying attention is key to safety.

Bus safety: Parents, please teach your children to wait for the school bus a safe distance from the road, generally at least six to 10 feet from the edge of the pavement is a good starting point.

Backpack safety: Parents, ensure that your child’s backpack is properly fitted and not overloaded to avoid trip hazards, strains, or falls.

As the new school year begins, let’s all do our part as the Habersham County community to make this school year the safest yet.