Sheriff's Message
Back to School
August 13, 2026
Going back to school for some can be an exciting time for our community. During this time of year, it is important to slow down and pay attention to all the vehicles around you on the roadways. The school year will bring extra traffic, with our young drivers, parents and school buses moving about each day.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office would like to remind you to be extra cautious and mindful of our school traffic zones when driving, especially during school zone hours. Be aware of potential hazards around our schools, and neighborhoods where children play.
With school buses being back on the road, allow plenty of time for your travel needs 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 passing's 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 You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you can start driving again.
Working together we can keep our children safe, and have a great school year!
Sheriff Timothy H. Bacon
