School is back in session in Washington County!
On Thursday, August 1, students at Ridge Road Primary, Ridge Road Elementary, T.J. Elder Middle, and Washington County High School head to class for the incoming school year.
Brentwood School will open its doors for the 2024-2025 year on Friday, August 9.
With morning and afternoon traffic soon set to increase as buses and additional vehicles transport kids to-and-from schools, Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department is reminding everyone to utilize extra caution.
“It is back-to-school time in Sandersville, meaning drivers should concentrate on safety – especially around schools, school buses, bus stops, crosswalks, and bicycles,” said Captain Collins. “Drivers should be particularly vigilant during the morning and afternoon hours when children are going to and from school.”
Last year, the United States recorded a 40-year high in pedestrian-vehicle crash deaths, estimated at over 7,500.
“Parents must teach children how to safely board and exit a bus,” said Captain Collins.
He stated that adults should impress upon their children that they should not jaywalk and should always look both ways (left-right-left) before crossing any street. Children riding bicycles should always wear a bike helmet.
“No phone call, text, e-mail, or social media post is more important than the safety of children,” said the Sandersville Police Captain. “So, let’s all do a better job of looking out for one another, especially Sandersville’s youngsters, while driving.”
According to the National Safe Routes to School Program, more children are hit by cars near schools than at any other location.
Each local school has specific drop-off procedures. For parents, it is important to know them for the safety of their children and others.
Research also indicates that most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they are usually walking at the time of the accident.
“If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car, both when moving and stopped. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing and more safe space for children to enter and exit the bus,” said Captain Kelly Collins. “In all 50 states, it is illegal to pass a school bus from either direction that is stopped to load or unload children.”
So, start exercising extra caution when operating a motor vehicle, and let’s have a happy and safe school year!