Be safe when county schools open Monday

School buses will join the traffic Monday when more than 45,000 Rutherford County Schools’ students return to classes.

Drivers are asked to leave early to get to work or other destinations because of the extra traffic, said School Resource Officer Daniel Thomas, who coordinates the school crossing officers.

School crossing guards are stationed in school zones to protect children and drivers and handle the traffic flow.

“Slow down, pay attention to the school zones’ speed limit and stay alert in school zones,” Thomas said.

Also, drivers are asked to obey state traffic laws:

• Drivers cannot talk on a hand-held mobile phone in school zones when flashers are in motion.
• Drivers under age 18 cannot drive while talking on a hand-held mobile phone.
• Drivers must buckle up and secure children in child safety seats.