With students in Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. and Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp. heading back to class this week, police are reminding drivers to be extra vigilant, watch for children and for school buses while traveling.
BCSC and Flat Rock-Hawcreek’s first day is Wednesday.
The areas around schools will be highly congested during drop-off and pick-up times, said Sgt. Skylar Berry, Columbus Police Department spokesman. Motorists need to remember that speed limits are reduced in school zones. Commuters passing through a school zone should expect delays or use an alternate route.
Motorists should also be prepared to stop when you see a school bus, Berry said. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, all traffic in both directions is required to stop. However, if the bus is stopped on a divided highway, only the traffic following the bus must stop. Local school buses are equipped with cameras that capture stop arm violations.
Traffic tickets will be written for violators.
CPD officers will be increasing their patrols at schools to help ensure the safety of students. Officers asked that the community help keep children safe by slowing down and driving safely.
