Fairfax County Police urge motorists to be extra vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists as county schools resume classes Tuesday, September 3.
Commuters should expect increased congestion throughout the week and build time into their schedules to accommodate for the traditionally heavy time period. Residents may also notice police officers posted in school zones and near bus stops helping ensure pedestrian safety as well as safe loading and unloading of students.
Police remind drivers that when bus lights and stop signs are activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they are separated from the bus by a median.
In 2012, there were a total of 1,500 citations written for infractions involving school zones and busses, including 961 for speeding in a school crossing and 194 for passing a stopped school bus. Typically, these infractions occur between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Additionally, there were 79 reportable crashes that involved school busses in 2012 and there have been 43 so far in 2013.
Traffic safety is a high priority for the Fairfax County Police Department. To learn more about traffic safety issues contact Master Police Officer Allie Eggers at 703-280-0530.
