20 Aug Back to School Safety
With many Maryland schools either starting in a week or having started already, the St. Mary’s County sheriff’s office is reminding drivers all across the state to slow down and be careful when commuting and to be mindful of the children that will be standing close to the road waiting for busses.
“The Sheriff’s Office requests motorist to be vigilant on the roadways and look for school buses which are stopping to board and discharge children
The Sheriff’s Office will have Deputies conducting safety patrols of school bus routes during school bus operating hours and violations will be handled accordingly.
Maryland motor vehicle law requires motorists to stop and remain stopped for school vehicles which are stopped with alternately flashing red lights activated. A violation for “Failure to stop for a Stopped School Vehicle Operating Alternately Flashing Red Lights” carries a $570.00 fine with three (3) points.
‘Failure to Remain Stopped for a Stopped School Vehicle Operating Alternately Flashing Red Lights’ carries a $570 fine with two (2) points. If motorists, approaching a stopped school vehicle with alternately flashing red lights, are unsure if a stop is required use good judgment, err on the side of safety and stop.
Remember the safety of the children within our community is of the utmost importance. We may not always be able to control the actions of a child that is boarding or being discharged from a school bus, but we can control our actions and the actions of our vehicles. With the communities help we can ensure that our children get to school and back home safely. Best of luck to all of our returning students; we hope you have a fantastic school year!”.