Local Law Enforcement Reminds Drivers To Be Mindful of School Buses

School starts this week in Stephens County and that means school buses will be out on the roads in the mornings and afternoons.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley reminds the community first and foremost to watch your speed, especially in school zones.

Shirley said he will have extra deputies patrolling the highway for anyone who is unbuckled as well as speeding.

Some additional safety tips to keep in mind as school is back in session is to pay attention for children waiting for the school bus, stop when a bus displays flashing red warning lights and never pass on the right side of a bus where children enter or exit the bus.

As far as those in the city limits, Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell also reminds motorists to be mindful of officers who are out directing traffic.

“The Toccoa Police Department would like to remind motorists that school starts back Thursday morning, be mindful that officers will be out directing traffic in the various school crossing locations throughout the city,” said Jarrell. “In addition we’ll also have officers who will be out enforcing speeds in those zones and there is zero tolerance in school zones.”

Jarrell adds that parents who are taking their kids to school should leave a little earlier than usual.

“We’d also like to remind parents that are taking their children to school for the first day or days after to leave a little earlier than usual and be aware that traffic may be at a higher level,” said Jarrell.

Also be aware that you cannot pass a school bus while it’s stopped.

“You cannot be aware that you can’t pass a school bus when it’s stopped,” said Jarrell. “In areas such as Big A Road or Highway 106 where there is a turning lane in the middle of the roadway, you’re still not allowed to pass the school bus, you still have to stop.”

Jarrell said that inside the city limits, there is no where that it is legal to pass a stopped bus.

And lastly, Jarrell reminds citizens that Stephens County Middle School is a heavily congested area and suggests avoiding Rose Lane or the middle school in the mornings and evenings when school lets out if possible.