Keeping Kids Safe on the Way Back to School

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — From Pre-K to Pre-Med, students of all ages are heading back to school. It’s exciting, but it also make for more traffic, more cars plus adding buses into the mix. With school back in session, authorities are urging motorists to play a little closer attention when they hit the roads during their commute. “It’s not like in the summer when there weren’t kids that were out and about during this time of the day. It’s one of our busiest times is in the morning. We’re hoping folks will be safety conscious,” says School Resource Officer, Lt. Verlon Rhodes. Authorities highlight the importance of obeying speed limits in school zones and knowing the rules for driving around a stopped bus. According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, failure to abide by these traffic laws could result in hefty fines of $500 dollars up to 6 points on your license. “If it’s a two lane highway, stop both ways, if it’s a four land highway with a median then it’s ok to proceed on the opposite side as far as oncoming traffic but any traffic with the flow of that bus must stop at all times,” says Rhodes. Another tip for drivers , put away anything that could take your focus off the road. According to Rhodes,”Calls can wait that’s how accidents happen people get hurt and property gets damaged.” Motorists aren’t the only ones who need to be mindful of distractions. Officials say students need to put their phones away and take the proper precautions when walking to and from school. “Always make sure you cross at a safe areas, such as cross walks at a street intersection. Make sure that all traffic is stopped and that the way is clear,” says Rhodes. A little effort can go a long way in making sure that students stay safe this school year.