Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – As Wilson County students head back to school on Friday, August 1st, the Department is launching a focused traffic safety blitz to ensure students’ routes to schools are safe. More officers will be out and around school zones, concentrating on motorists who violate traffic laws designed to protect children during their commutes to and from school.
During this heightened enforcement period, officers will be particularly attentive to speeding in school zones, unlawful use of handheld cell phones, passing stopped school buses, texting while driving, and violations of seat belt and child passenger safety laws. The department will also be deploying digital radar speed signs that display vehicle speeds and flash warnings when drivers exceed the posted limit, helping to increase awareness and encourage safer driving behaviors.
In partnership with local school crossing guards and school administrators, the Department will maintain open lines of communication throughout the school year to promptly address any traffic safety concerns. These guards play a vital role in helping children cross streets safely and managing traffic flow near schools.
The Department urges parents and guardians to allow extra time in the mornings, as increased traffic volumes can lead to longer travel times. Leaving earlier helps reduce stress, enhances driver awareness, and promotes a safer commute. Obeying posted speed limits, directional signs, and curb markings is essential to maintaining smooth traffic flow and ensuring the safety of students, especially those who walk or bike to school.
Patience and courtesy on the road are also key. Aggressive or rushed driving can lead to dangerous situations and create unnecessary congestion around school campuses. The habits adults demonstrate behind the wheel often influence young passengers, who are future drivers themselves.
Parents driving children to school should ensure their students are prepared to exit the vehicle quickly, with all necessary items ready. Delays often occur when children need to gather their belongings after the vehicle has stopped.
Drivers are reminded to watch for and follow the directions of school crossing guards. Their guidance is crucial in keeping our children safe as they cross busy intersections and school driveways.
To stay informed, parents are encouraged to visit their child’s school website to review specific traffic flow plans for drop-off and pick-up. The Wilson County Schools website is www.wcschools.com.
Stopping for a School Bus Law:
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