Back-to-school reminders issued for Clay County student pedestrians, bus safety

Clay County students return to school Thursday, Aug. 10 and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens of student pedestrian safety.

“It’s important to ensure the safety of our students as they make their way to and from school,” a Clay County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post said.

The post includes five basic pedestrian safety tips for students:

1. Use designated crosswalks - encourage students to cross the street at designated crosswalks and intersections. These areas are specifically designed to provide a safe passage for pedestrians, ensuring better visibility for both drivers and students.
2. Look both ways - Remind students to always look left, right, and left again before crossing the road. Encourage them to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen and to avoid distractions such as headphones or electronic devices.
3. Walk with a buddy - Encourage students to walk to school with a friend or in groups whenever possible. This not only promotes companionship but also enhances visibility and safety.
4. Stay on sidewalks - Advise students to use sidewalks whenever available. If there are no sidewalks, they should walk facing traffic, as this allows them to see oncoming vehicles and react accordingly.
5. Be visible - Encourage students to wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours when visibility may be reduced. This simple step can significantly increase their visibility to drivers.

Additionally, Clay County District Schools posted a reminder on their Facebook page about school bus safety.

Motorists stopped by a school bus on a two-lane road must stop when the bus has its stop sign out (regardless of which direction they are traveling).

Motorists on a multi-lane paved road traveling both directions must stop when a school bus sign is out.

Motorists on a divided highway must stop if they are behind a school bus with its stop sign out. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction must proceed with caution. See the graphic below for more details.

This graphic details how motorists should adhere to a stopped school bus.Photo byClay County District Schools

Superintendent David Broskie said that for the 2023-24 school year, Clay County District Schools has “more drivers than we have routes.” This is a change from last year’s start when the county faced a school bus driver shortage.

Click here to be taken to the Clay County school district’s transportation webpage for more information about school bus routes.