As the new school year begins in the Lowcountry, traffic safety remains a top priority for both parents and students. Whether students drive themselves to school, ride the bus, or are driven by their parents, ensuring safety on the roads is crucial.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit reported that on Tuesday alone, deputies issued four tickets for traffic violations in or near school zones. Three of the tickets were for speeding, while one ticket was issued to a driver who had an unrestrained child in the car. The child was traveling without a seatbelt, creating a dangerous situation on the road.
Important Bus Safety Guidelines
In addition to car safety, staying informed about school bus safety is vital to prevent accidents. One key rule to remember is related to how drivers should behave when approaching a school bus, particularly on different types of roadways:
Multi-Lane Roads: On roads with four or more lanes (such as Ashley Phosphate Road), drivers do not need to stop when approaching a school bus, as long as they are not traveling in the same direction as the bus.
Two-Lane Roads: On a two-lane road, drivers must stop when approaching a school bus, regardless of the direction they are coming from.
Behind a School Bus: Drivers traveling behind a school bus, regardless of the number of lanes, must stop when the bus is picking up or dropping off children.
Adhering to these rules is essential to ensure the safety of children on their way to school. As school buses return to the roads, it’s a reminder for all drivers to stay cautious, follow traffic laws, and be aware of their surroundings.
