Back-To-School Road Safety Tips From The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that schools are opening, so please drive safely. In Wicomico County, schools open on Monday, Aug. 29, returning buses, parent transportation, and walkers to Wicomico streets and sidewalks.

Every year in Maryland, an average of two school-aged pedestrians are killed during school arrival and dismissal times, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting School Bus Enforcement and watch for drivers who pass and tailgate School Buses. They will also patrol School Zones to ensure the safety of Wicomico County’s children.

To reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, drivers should remember to:

• Plan ahead to allow for the extra school bus traffic that will be on the road. Leave a few minutes early for work so that you are not frustrated by delays.

• Stay a safe distance back from school buses, which stop frequently. Do not tailgate school buses. Remember, they are carrying precious cargo.

• Wait until the lights and other safety equipment on a stopped school bus indicate that it’s safe to continue driving. Do not pass a school bus with its red lights flashing. Not only do you risk a fine of up to $500, you risk hitting a child.

• Slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing the street. Obey the Crossing Guard when he or she signals for you to stop. Maryland Law states that you must stop for a pedestrian who has entered a crosswalk. The fine for violations is $90 and 1 Point on your Maryland driver’s License.

Students can support safer transportation – by bus, car or on foot -- by:

• Getting up in plenty of time to get to the bus stop safely.

• Wearing bright clothes so they can easily be seen by the bus driver and other drivers on the road.

• Staying a safe distance from the road while waiting for the bus, and not play around near cars.

• For young children, standing at the bus stop with an adult, and having an adult meet them when they get off the bus.

• Waiting until the bus fully stops before starting to get on or off.

• Using crosswalks when walking or riding a bicycle to school.

• Wearing a helmet to prevent head injury whenever riding a bike or skateboard. Maryland law states that children up to age 16 are required to wear helmets while riding a bicycle.