Back to School Safety

Schools are back in session in Pittsburg County! This is a friendly reminder to everyone to take a few extra minutes during your daily commute to allow for the extra traffic that goes along with the school year starting. Our school resource officers and deputies will be patrolling the area schools to make sure everyone arrives and leaves safely. We have a strict enforcement policy when it comes to drivers committing violations in a marked school zone. Traffic fines are very steep when a citation is received in a marked school zone during school hours. School buses will now become a common occurrence for motorists. Pay attention on your daily commute and become familiar with the regular bus stops on your daily drive. A flashing yellow signal from a school bus is a warning sign for motorists to slow down because a child will be entering or exiting the bus shortly. DO NOT increase your speed to pass the school bus to avoid being late for an appointment or work. The flashing red signals on the front and rear of the bus is telling you to STOP! Please allow yourself a comfortable distance from the bus so the bus driver can see your vehicle easily. An extended STOP sign will emerge from the drivers side area of the bus to warn drivers to STOP! Put your cell phones away during the drive and give your full attention to the road, the school bus, and the children. Show the bus drivers the respect they deserve as they are tasked with a huge responsibility transporting the kids. My hat is off to all of those that have taken on that role! Our children and grandchildren are the future and nobody wants to see them hurt or injured in any way. Once again, remain focused on the roadway and don’t become distracted by other things. Please report any reckless or unsafe drivers to our office so we are aware and can follow up with the driver. Lets have great school year and stay safe!