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Frederick County - News Flash

SCHOOL STARTS – MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2014

schoolbusWith the school year quickly approaching, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office offers a few tips to help keep our students safe while traveling to and from school.

Motorists are asked to plan ahead and leave early for your morning commute as buses will limit your progress starting this Monday. Motorists should be cautious when children and school buses are in the area. Be prepared to stop, and remain stopped, for school buses. Be on the lookout for children who may cross the road without looking for traffic. Motorists should also allow room for frequent stops that happen during morning picks up and afternoon drop offs. Maryland Law requires that you be at least 20 feet away from the front or rear of a stopped school bus.

Maryland law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the street unless the roadway is a divided highway (median, physical divider or barrier). Motorists who pass the bus before all lights have stopped flashing may face both fines and penalties:

  • Drivers who pass school buses while the lights are flashing will receive a citation that carries a maximum fine of $570 and a 3-point penalty.
  • Drivers who stop but then proceed while the lights are flashing will receive a citation that carries a maximum fine of $570 and a 2-point penalty.
  • Under Maryland Law, the school bus driver can be the witness for these violations and report the vehicle information to law enforcement, which can then take action based on the bus driver’s observations.

Parents are asked to make sure their child’s path to and from school is a safe route. Small children are often impulsive and less cautious around traffic.  Parents should carefully consider whether or not a child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision. Bright colored clothing will make children more visible to drivers. Placing emergency contact information inside a child’s backpack/clothing will assist police in identifying your child quickly if they are lost or injured.

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