CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville-Montgomery County schools are back in session August 7 with the first full day on August 9. The start of each new school year, brings reminders from local law enforcement regarding motorists and student safety.

According to the Clarksville Police Department, officers will be out in full force to ensure motorists are following the rules of the road in school zones and along the bus route paths.

The Clarksville Police Department wants to remind everyone of the following rules of the road and information to ensure a safe 2019-2020 school year.

“We will be watching for people passing school buses, speeders, and other traffic violations in the school zones which could potentially endanger the safety and welfare of students and staff,” said CPD’s Traffic Unit Sgt Johnny Ransdell. “Special attention will be paid to violation of the hands free law which went into effect, July 1”.

IDENTIFYING SCHOOL ZONES

School Zones are marked with lights or traffic signs. Drivers need to be alert and monitor their speed.

All school zones have a 20 MPH speed limit unless otherwise posted. Speeding in a school zone could result in a Reckless Driving charge.

Hand Free laws are in effect for all of Tennessee with special attention to school zones when lights are flashing.

Pay attention to school crossing guards or officers directing traffic in the school zones.

Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and residential areas.

Be prepared to stop and yield to children in crosswalks. Don’t block crosswalks. Speeding in a school zone can result in a fine of $274.50 and points on your license.

NOTE: The School Zone reduced speed lights will be flashing on the “full day” schedule. The speed lights are not adjusted on half day schedules so be aware when schools are released on half days, the lights will not warn you to reduce speed.

BE SAFE AROUND SCHOOL BUSES

Local law enforcement encourage the following safety tips when driving near school buses and bus stops:

    • If you’re behind a school bus, allow more stopping distance. This allows more time to stop once the yellow light starts flashing.
    • It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus stopped to load or unload children.
    • Never pass on the right side of the bus, this is the loading and unloading area for children.
    • Meeting a school or church bus – If the red stop warning signal lights are flashing and stop arm is extended, traffic must stop until the stop arm is pulled back and the bus motion resumes.
    • Overtaking a school or church bus- drivers approaching from the rear shall not pass when the red stop warning signal lights are flashing and come to a complete stop until the stop signal arm is pulled in and the bus motion is resumed.

School buses signal with several different methods. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and the stop arm extended mean the bus is stopping to load or unload children. Motorists should stop and wait until the red flashing lights are turned off, stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins to move again before moving their vehicle.

SPECIAL NOTES FOR STOPPING WITH SCHOOL BUSES

Certain types roads do not require vehicles driving in the opposite direction of the school bus come to a complete stop when the red flashing lights are present. If a motorist is driving on a highway with separate roadways for traffic in opposite directions, divided by a median space or barrier not suitable for vehicular traffic, (examples 76 Connector and jack Miller Blvd), drivers in opposite direction of travel do not have to stop but should proceed with caution. Examples of this type of roadway include Highway 76 Connector and Jack Miller Blvd.

A turn lane in the middle of a four-lane highway is not considered a barrier. Drivers meeting a school bus on this type of road would be required to stop in both directions. Examples include Fort Campbell Blvd, Providence Blvd, Madison Street, and Tiny Town Rd.

School Bus violations carry a fine between $250 and $1,000 for not stopping when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. The typical fine is $469.50 and 8 points on your license.

TRAFFIC DELAYS NEAR SCHOOL ZONES
Drivers should expect traffic delays around school zones. This is particularly true near certain areas including: Rossview Road and Campus, East Montgomery Elementary, Montgomery Central Campus, Dixie Bee Road, Trough Springs Road. To avoid school traffic delays, take alternate routes or plan additional time to arrive at your destination.