Beginning today, Marshall County’s children will be back on our roads. School buses will be making stops, students will be walking and crossing streets, parents will be dropping children off, and school zones will once again be busy.
That means it is time for all of us to slow down, pay attention, and put the safety of our children first.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies out in full force as school begins. Deputies will be highly visible around our schools, along bus routes and in school zones throughout the county.
SCHOOL ZONES WILL BE ENFORCED
We are asking motorists to pay close attention to posted school-zone speed limits. Deputies will be actively watching for speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Leave a few minutes earlier. Put the phone down. Slow down.
Being late for work or an appointment is never worth endangering a child.
WHEN THE BUS LIGHTS COME ON — STOP!
There should be absolutely no confusion when it comes to a stopped school bus.
When a school bus is stopped with its warning lights activated and the law requires you to stop — STOP.
Do not try to beat the bus. Do not become impatient. Do not take a chance with a child’s life.
Our deputies will be watching specifically for motorists who illegally pass school buses, and these violations will be taken very seriously.
A child getting on or off a school bus may do something unexpected. They may drop something, turn around, or suddenly cross the roadway. As drivers, we have to expect the unexpected.
JOHN MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL — NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN
We are also asking everyone traveling to John Marshall High School to pay particular attention tomorrow morning because of the new traffic pattern entering the school.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies monitoring traffic in the area and assisting students, parents and staff become accustomed to the change.
There may be some congestion during the first few days as everyone adjusts. Our priority is not simply moving traffic quickly — our priority is moving everyone safely, please be patient.
THEY’RE OUR KIDS — LET’S PROTECT THEM
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting our students, teachers, bus drivers, school employees and families. Our deputies will be there, and we will enforce the laws designed to protect our children.
The safety of our children is a responsibility we all share. To our students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, service personnel and parents — welcome back, and we wish you a safe and successful school year.
Tomorrow morning, give yourself a few extra minutes, give our school buses and school zones your full attention, and most importantly, give our children the protection they deserve.
Let’s make this a safe first day and a safe school year for all of Marshall County.
Sheriff Mike Dougherty
