The Liberty County School System supports this year’s National School Bus Safety Week, October 16-20, 2017, and its important message to encourage motorists to use extra caution around school buses, bus stops and school zones.
School Bus Safety Week will be highlighted by Dr. Franklin Perry, LCSS Interim Superintendent, riding a school bus to emphasize student safety.
“National School Bus Safety Week is a great chance to remind motorists to follow traffic laws around school buses. Our children are most exposed during the loading or unloading of their school buses. This is why other drivers on the road are required to stop,” stated Dr. Franklin Perry. “Please tell friends and family of this important initiative and remember this year’s theme, MY DRIVER – MY SAFETY HERO!”
For the first time, LCSS is collaborating with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and Hinesville Police Department to stress the importance of school bus safety by encouraging motorists to use extra caution. Expect to see extra patrols around school zones and school bus stops during this time. It is against the law for a motorist to pass a bus that is stopped with its lights flashing and stop sign arm extended. Law enforcement officials are reminding drivers that traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus if there is no dividing median on the road. Survey results by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services show drivers routinely ignore school bus stop arm signs. In fact, recent data shows that in a single day, more than 96,000 school bus drivers in 33 states counted nearly 75,000 vehicles illegally passing their stopped school buses
LCSS is also providing refreshments during the week to show appreciation to all transportation team members. Please join us in showing support to our drivers, monitors, technicians and office staff members by saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done! The LCSS Transportation Department supports student achievement by providing safe and efficient transportation services for more than 10,000 students.
For more information, contact John Lyles at jlyles@liberty.k12.ga.us or (912) 369-6674.