THP Emphasizes School Safety

Nashville, Tennessee —Be alert! Slow down! Be safe in the school zone!  That’s the message the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) want to remind drivers and students as we prepare to “spring” our clocks forward.

Daylight Saving Time takes effect Sunday morning.  That means there will be much less light and visibility as children head back to class Monday morning.  THP encourages everyone to take extra caution as they make their way to school and work, especially in school zones and when approaching school bus stops.

Last August, the THP launched its 2nd annual Back to School enforcement campaign targeted at keeping children safe as they travel to and from school.  THP has dedicated approximately 850 work hours to enforce safety in school zones and around bus stops.

“Our goal is to protect Tennessee children from drivers who may be distracted, impatient or careless” said Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell.  “Children are at a greater risk of being involved in an accident this time of year when there is poor visibility in the morning. That’s why you’ll see more State Troopers around school buses and in school zones, writing tickets to drivers who break the law.”

THP has continued its stepped-up enforcement efforts to protect children throughout the school year.   Since August 1st, Troopers have written nearly 3,500 moving and 1,556 non-moving violations in school zones.

“The fact that school buses are painted yellow, a color signifying caution, should encourage all drivers to slow down when they see one,” stated Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker.  “In Tennessee, it’s against the law to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing–no exception. However, the need for drivers and students to be cautious extends beyond bus stops and school zones.”

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration reports approximately 43 students were killed in 2006 and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, another 17,000 were injured in incidents involving school buses.  Most of the deaths and injuries occurred as the children were entering or exiting a bus.