We are just days away from school bus routes, School Resource Officers, school zone speed limits, and everything included with children returning to school.
Lt. Jeff Parker, who is the Fire Safety Educator for Habersham County, has served in Habersham Emergency Services for 22 years. Parker talked with Now Habersham about ways to make this school year a safe one.
- If your child is riding the bus, check with the school to make sure you have the correct location for pick up and drop off.
- Know the bus schedule and make sure your student understands if they have to transfer buses.
- Talk to your child about not standing too close to the road if your child is going to be there alone.
- Prepare for bad weather
As a driver on the roads, be aware of reduced speed zones in school areas. It is important to watch out for the School Resource Officer directing traffic. In the past few years, several officers have been hit by cars. Drive below the posted speed limit for extra precaution.
Buses will be on the road and it is important to understand the law.
- When you are driving on a two-lane road, vehicles in both directions must stop
- Multi-lane – Vehicles in both directions must stop
- Divided highway with dirt, grass, or barrier median, vehicles behind the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in opposite directions must use caution.
“Children do unexpected things,” Parker said. “I tell my teenage son quite often to be ready for anything when you see children on or near the road. Don’t assume. Always be on the lookout.”
Habersham County Firefighters have made it a regular practice to go into the elementary schools and spend time with the students.
Parker says it is one of the most important parts of their jobs – talking with and connecting with the students.
They plan to be there on the first day of school to help welcome students.
When the community pulls together with these reminders, we can all help to have a safe and accident-free school year.
