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Mercer County
School Bus
safety
It is the time of the year for all of the local schools to go back into
session. With that comes renewed concerns for our children’s
safety and the safety of the motoring public. Flashing yellow and
red lights are a sure signal to drivers that school buses are making
you aware that children will soon be boarding or departing the
bus. Drivers need to be attentive in school zones and when school
buses are stopped. While stopping and waiting for buses may be a
slight inconvenience, it is a small price to pay for the safety of the
children.
The Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up patrols during schools
hours. In an effort to enhance school bus safety, Mercer County
Sheriff Jeff Grey is reinstating the School Bus Riding Program for all
six schools districts in Mercer County. A deputy will randomly be
assigned to a school bus in Mercer County each week to look for school
bus passing violations. Last year’s program consisted of placing
deputies on school buses (39) times. The deputies spent over (52)
hours on school buses last school year.
Sheriff Grey, stated that, “now is the time of the year that we
need take a little bit of extra time and care to ensure that our
children get to school safely.”
It is also important for our children to understand the need for proper
behavior while riding the bus to school. While school bus drivers
concentrate on the roadways and other drivers, the students must do
their part as well. “Respect, Responsibility and Restraint are the new
3 R’s to be learned” said Sheriff Grey.
Motorists will also have to make adjustments while driving. They need
to “slow down” and stop while students board and depart from the
buses. They also have to be aware of children walking and riding
their bicycles to and from school. It is the goal of the
Sheriff’s Office to have a safe beginning to this school year.
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