Forsyth Schools Heightens School Bus Safety Near End Of Year

CUMMING, GA — With the end of the school year nearing, Forsyth County Schools is reminding drivers, parents and students to be cautious around school buses.

FCS has spent this year teaching students and drivers to develop Safe, Orderly And Respectful (S.O.A.R.) school bus riding habits, the district said.

The district said as it completes another successful school year, keep the following in mind if you plan to celebrate/surprise your child at the bus stop:

• Plan activities away from the school bus and bus stop. Distractions are dangerous to students, bus drivers and motorists.
• Do not involve the bus or bus driver. The students on the bus need to remain calm and the driver needs to stay focused on their job of keeping all students safe.
• Wait until all students are well away from the school bus, out of the bus crossing zone, and the driver has left the bus stop area.

"By following these steps, our students, drivers and others will be safe in and around the school bus and bus stop," FCS said. "Thank you for your consideration, and we hope you have a wonderful, restful summer with your children."

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office conducted an intensive school zone enforcement program after receiving multiple complaints from citizens the first week of May. The department said they heard the public, so they acted. But what they found was "simply unacceptable" and they said everyone should expect better of themselves and the community when traveling in active school zones.

"Yes we are all in a hurry, but never so much as to endanger our children, we will keep an increased focus on school zones," the department said. "So please FOCO, slow down....our kids deserve our attention and care."

• Speeding citations – 91
• Speeding warnings – 114
• Seat belt citations – 21
• Seat belt warnings – 8
• Child restraint citation – 1
• Distracted driving citations – 15 (cell phones, hands free)
• Distracted driving warnings – 12
• Expired tags – 3
• Unlicensed driver – 2
• Other – 5