With the first day of school less than one week away, local officials are reminding motorists to use extra caution as thousands of Alachua County students return to classrooms on Monday, Aug. 10.
According to a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) release sent on Monday, the start of the school year also marks the return of school buses to area roadways, transporting students safely to and from school each day. Drivers should expect increased traffic and minor delays during the first several weeks of the school year as families resume their daily routines.
Motorists are encouraged to remain alert for school buses, crossing guards and pedestrians, particularly during morning and afternoon travel times. Officials also remind drivers to watch for flashing school zone lights and obey reduced speed limits, which are in place to help protect students traveling to and from school.
Florida law requires drivers to stop for school buses under the following circumstances:
- Two-lane roads: Traffic traveling in both directions must stop when a school bus displays its stop signal.
- Multi-lane roads without a median: All lanes of traffic must stop for a stopped school bus.
- Divided highways: If the roadway is separated by an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, a raised median or a physical barrier, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
Officials acknowledge that school traffic may add a few extra minutes to daily commutes, but emphasize that slowing down and following traffic laws can help prevent injuries and save lives.
Drivers are encouraged to exercise patience, eliminate distractions behind the wheel and remain vigilant throughout the school year to help ensure the safety of students, crossing guards, school staff and fellow motorists.
