Thousands of Habersham County students will return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and local law enforcement will be out in force making sure they get there safely.
“The first few weeks of every new school year can certainly be the most hectic as it relates to traffic,” explains Clarkesville Police Chief Brad Barrett. “During this time, more parents choose to transport their children to and from the facilities before making the decision for bus riding. Due to this, we always see a much higher volume of traffic as opposed to later in the school year.”
To handle the increased congestion, Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies and local police will be monitoring traffic and stepping up their patrols.
“Because we haven’t had school traffic on our roadways the past few months, we hope that our presence, along with the buses will remind everyone to slow down and be mindful of the children,” says Mt. Airy Police Chief Tim Jarrell.
Jarrell says last year several accidents occurred in the curve on Chase Road near the Habersham County E-911 Center. He says all of the accidents were the direct result of speeding. Chief Jarrell urges drivers to pay attention to posted speed limits and reminds them that the speed limit on Chase Road is 35 mph and drops to 15 mph in the curve.
If you do break the rules of the road, don’t expect leniency.
On Tuesday, Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell took to social media and posted a stern notice to drivers. “Consider this your warning. We will be out tomorrow monitoring school zones for speeders and unsafe drivers. No warnings will be given and you can be cited for any speed over the posted school zone speed.”
Terrell reminds drivers that if school zone lights are flashing, the speed limit is reduced. If they’re not flashing the speed limit is normal “but you can still be cited for speeding in a school zone.”
The sheriff also reminds drivers to watch for school buses and to never pass a stopped bus on two-lane or multi-lane roads.
“Avoid distractions such as talking on the phone and absolutely NO TEXTING AND DRIVING,” adds Chief Jarrell. “Not only should motorists be mindful of their own driving behaviors, but be cautious of others, too.”
Planning and patience
Habersham’s top cops encourage drivers to plan for the increased traffic congestion and bus stops as they make their morning and afternoon travel plans.
“The main thing is to be patient because it is the first day of school and there is an increase of traffic during this time,” stresses Demorest Police Chief Robin Krockum.
“Our first priority is the kids and getting them into the school and home safely,” adds Cornelia Police Chief Chad Smith. “My biggest suggestion is give your self more time to get to where you are going or find another route.”
Alto Police Chief Josh Ivey sums it up saying, “Leave early, allow extra time, do not rush, and be safe.”
Feature photo: Cornelia Police/Facebook
