TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – School is back in session, which means drivers need to pay extra attention.
Officers are reminding folks, reduced speed limits are there for a reason.
The sign states, 20 miles per hour when children are present. It’s the driver’s responsibility to follow the law.
Vigo County Sheriff, Greg Ewing says, “At that speed, you’re able to stop that car, should a kid dart out.”
In addition to slowing down, there’s other warnings in place, like crossing guards, to grab drivers attention.
Ray Azar with the Vigo County School Corporation says, “We have stop lights, we would expect drivers to obey the stop signals and if there’s no turn on red, it’s probably there for a good reason.”
It’s not just the drivers who should be alert. Azar says, this is the perfect time to talk with children about using the bus, walking to school, as well as those teens driving to school.
“We ask our student drivers to be very careful, to use common sense when they’re driving and to not engage in distracted driving,” said Azar.
If drivers are in a hurry, it could end up costing you. Sheriff Ewing says one of the most serious violations a driver could do is run a stop sign on a school bus.
“Violating a school bus stop arm, is a mandatory court appearance. So, if you violate that stop arm, first of all remember this, that kid walking out in front of that bus, if you’re passing that school bus. I would sure hate to be that person that hits a kid,” said Ewing.
With school back in session, give yourself a little more time, because “Those few extra seconds may mean the difference between that child making it to school safely, or not making it to school at all,” said Ewing.
All schools have different arrival and dismissal guidelines.
Ray Azar advises parents to contact your children’s school to make sure you’re following the proper procedures.
Officers are reminding folks, reduced speed limits are there for a reason.
The sign states, 20 miles per hour when children are present. It’s the driver’s responsibility to follow the law.
Vigo County Sheriff, Greg Ewing says, “At that speed, you’re able to stop that car, should a kid dart out.”
In addition to slowing down, there’s other warnings in place, like crossing guards, to grab drivers attention.
Ray Azar with the Vigo County School Corporation says, “We have stop lights, we would expect drivers to obey the stop signals and if there’s no turn on red, it’s probably there for a good reason.”
It’s not just the drivers who should be alert. Azar says, this is the perfect time to talk with children about using the bus, walking to school, as well as those teens driving to school.
“We ask our student drivers to be very careful, to use common sense when they’re driving and to not engage in distracted driving,” said Azar.
If drivers are in a hurry, it could end up costing you. Sheriff Ewing says one of the most serious violations a driver could do is run a stop sign on a school bus.
“Violating a school bus stop arm, is a mandatory court appearance. So, if you violate that stop arm, first of all remember this, that kid walking out in front of that bus, if you’re passing that school bus. I would sure hate to be that person that hits a kid,” said Ewing.
With school back in session, give yourself a little more time, because “Those few extra seconds may mean the difference between that child making it to school safely, or not making it to school at all,” said Ewing.
All schools have different arrival and dismissal guidelines.
Ray Azar advises parents to contact your children’s school to make sure you’re following the proper procedures.
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