By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Some schools in the Great Bend area have already started, others will begin soon. The middle of August is a reminder to be cautious around school zones, especially during the student drop-off and pickup times.
Barton County
Sheriff Brian Bellendir said if the yellow or red lights are flashing on a
school bus, motorists must stop.
"If the lights are flashing and the sign is displayed, you have to stop," said Bellendir. "You cannot go around that bus. You must wait until they shut their lights off and the sign is withdrawn."
Motorists should be alert in school zones as children tend to ignore
traffic hazards. Drivers should also be aware of vehicles stopping to allow
pedestrians to cross the street.
"There is a lot of congestion around these schools," said Bellendir. "If you can go a different route that doesn't take you past a school, you're probably better off and are going to get to your destination quicker."
For safety reasons and to avoid a ticket, motorists need to remember to slow
down in school zones during the daily drop-off and pickup times.
"The other thing is there are a bunch of young, new drivers out on the road too," said Bellendir. "Be cautious of them."