Putnam Sheriff Issues Driving Advisory With Schools Reopening

“With summer drawing to its unofficial close and schools reopening, drivers have to be alert for stopped school buses, children crossing the streets, groups of children and parents congregating at bus stops and extra traffic congestion around school,” Smith said in a statement. “Being safety-conscious while driving is certainly the required mindset to have every day of the year,” said the Sheriff. “But we have to be especially careful at this time of year, to protect our most precious treasures – our children."

Drivers should plan ahead to allot extra time for commutes or for travel during the morning and afternoon hours, making allowances for school buses picking up and discharging children along local roads.

The sheriff reminds all motorists that it is not only extremely dangerous but also against the law to pass a stopped school bus from either direction, adding that even after a school bus turns off its red flashing lights and pulls away from a stop, drivers should watch out for children who may dart across the street against traffic.

“We want all motorists to enjoy safe travel on our County roads and wish our students, teachers, and school staff a productive and rewarding year in school,” Smith said in a statement. 

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