Motorists urged to Slow Down for Back to School

Kids go back to school on Monday, Aug. 20, in the School District of Oconee County. Motorists are urged to slow down and watch for students excited about the first day of class, says Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt. “Please watch for students, crossing guards, officers directing traffic and individuals picking up and dropping off students. As always, avoid distractions, such as eating and using cellular devices, especially in the school zones. Especially for the first few weeks after school begins, please allow for extra time when picking up and dropping off students as all motorists will need time to get acquainted with the traffic patterns in the school zones. Also, since it has been a few months since the end of the previous school year, take time to watch out for students at the bus stops. Remember to look out for them because they may not be looking out for you.” Motorists traveling on a two lane road in both directions, regardless of the way the motorists is traveling, are required by law to come to a complete stop if a school bus has deployed its stop sign and its flashing lights as it either picks up or drops off students. On a roadway with four or more lanes, you are required to stop for a stopped school bus if you traveling in the same direction as the school bus, however, you are not required to stop by law if you are traveling in the opposite direction approaching the stopped school bus. There are fines and points assessed on your license if you violate the law regarding a stopped school bus. You are asked to observe the flashing speed limit signs that are posted in the school zones during the select times when the signs are flashing in the morning and afternoon hours. If you are caught speeding during these times in a school zone, you will be ticketed.