The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has issued an urgent reminder through social media for drivers to exercise heightened vigilance around school buses. This comes at a critical moment when thousands of students in St. Johns County are relying on this mode of transportation for their daily commute to and from school. The Sheriff's Office warns, "As a driver, you should always pay attention behind the wheel, and use even more caution around school busses."
The notice specifies the importance of recognizing the signals used by school buses, noting that yellow lights are an indication for the bus preparing to stop—which means drivers should begin to slow down. Once a school bus has its red lights flashing and the stop sign extended, vehicles must stop. For roads with two lanes or multi-lane streets that are paved across, "Vehicles traveling in both directions MUST stop," the Sheriff's Office stated. On divided highways with unpaved spaces of more than five feet, a raised median, or physical barriers, only vehicles behind the bus are required to stop, while those moving in the opposite direction should continue to carefully proceed.
Violating these bus stopping rules by passing a stopped school bus can lead to severe consequences, with penalties ranging from citations, mandatory Driver Improvement Courses, points against the driver's license, and a fine starting at $265. The office's post also reminds that it's illegal to have an electronic device in hand while driving in a designated school zone, crossing, or work zone area. Drivers are urged to heed lower speed limits and obey signals from school crossing guards and public service assistants to ensure student safety.
The statement from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the St. Johns County School District, is a clear call to action to foster the safety of the community's children.
