Sheriff's Message
Back to School Time
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office would like to remind you that the start of the school year is a busy time for the entire community.
During this time, students return to class, teachers implement new lesson plans for the school year, and administrators address school budgets, bus routes, staffing, and safety concerns. Parents coordinate work and school schedules, carpool, and support their student's activities and studies. Additionally, businesses are equipping families, teachers, and administrators with the supplies they need for a successful school year.
Be extra cautious and mindful of our school traffic zones when driving, especially in the morning and early afternoons. Please slow down and increase your stopping distances for potential hazards around our schools and neighborhoods where children play.
As school buses are back on the road, be aware of school bus routes in your neighborhood and throughout your daily travel; allow plenty of time and leave space for buses. With school traffic, anticipate delays in your trip and leave early so you're not in a rush. As always, when approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for the bus and pedestrian traffic.
When you see a school bus slowing down or stopping, it is important to be mindful of the surrounding area as children wait at least several feet away from a bus and often cross the street when they are boarding or getting off the bus. Never attempt to pass a school bus while the stop arm is extended and the red lights are flashing; it is illegal! Illegal school bus passings pose a significant threat to children and others on the road.
Remember that yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children, and you should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you can start driving again.
For more information on school bus safety, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Thank all of you who help make our education system an integral, positive force in our community!
Sheriff Jeffrey Herrig
