As summer winds down and fall approaches, students begin returning to school and theLincoln County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers they will be actively enforcing safespeeds in and around schools, as well as stop arm violations, pedestrian violations and violations for passing stopped school busesto ensure students’ safetythis school year, where young pedestrians are most vulnerable.  

"With the approach of the fall season comes increased activity around schools and it is crucial to the safety of Maine studentsthat driversbe mindful behind the wheel,” ​Traffic Deputy Jeff Rogers​ said. "The moment children transition to or from any bus or vehicle, they become vulnerable pedestrians. Every driver plays a crucial role in keeping students safe by slowing down and paying close attention in and around schools. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure students of all ages get to and from school safely.” 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety tips as students return back to classrooms school this year: 

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. 

• Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students. 

• Stop for school buses.  

• Watch for children rushing to board or exit buses. 

• Look out for pedestrians walking and yield at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. 

• For parents with children walking or biking to school, remind them of safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when availableand crossing at corners when there is no marked crosswalk.  

If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, youmust stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red bus lights are on, and the stop sign is extended. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road, as well as multi-lane roads, without a median or a center turn lane. 

Visit https://www.maine.gov/dps/bhsfor more traffic safety information.