It's back-to-school time! Fairfax County Public Schools begin on Monday, Aug. 24, while private schools also begin around the same time.
With more than a million residents, our roads are normally busy, but school buses add an extra layer of vehicles, while school zones and crossing guards are looking out for the safety of our children. There are more than 180,000 FCPS students and 200+ schools in Fairfax County. While it may be tempting if you’re in a hurry, it is never OK to pass a school bus, speed through a school zone or ignore a crossing guard’s direction.
There are three ways we need drivers to pay more attention on our roads:
- Stopped school buses with flashing lights
- School zones
- Crossing guards
Driving Rules Near School Buses
Fairfax County Public Schools runs more than 1,600 buses daily.
And if you drive, there’s no doubt you will encounter FCPS and private school buses. The rules are pretty simple if you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights:
- Drivers must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median.
It is considered reckless driving - a criminal offense - if you pass a stopped school bus unloading children. Learn more about this from our Police Department.
County school buses are now equipped with cameras to capture drivers who fail to stop when the bus’s stop arm is extended. Drivers who illegally pass school buses that are loading and unloading children will be recorded and issued a $250 citation by mail.
School Zone Speed Cameras
Pay attention to school zones, especially where they start and end. Those slower school zone speed limits are there for a reason. Follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing. It’s important to add more time into your commuting schedule so you’re not in a rush.
Speed cameras are active in specific school zones at specific times.
The cameras are only active when the school zone is in effect. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or more will be fined based on an escalating fine structure that maxes out at $100.
Crossing Guards
Heeding the whistles and waves of our dedicated crossing guards is yet another way you can ensure the safety of students.
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