With the 2012/2013 school year beginning in Gaston County on Monday, August 27, 2012, the Gaston County Police Department wishes to remind motorists to be aware of the additional vehicle and pedestrian traffic that will be returning to our streets and highways.
The beginning of the school year not only brings with it the additional vehicles transporting children to and from schools, but it also brings with it students who will be gathering at bus stops, walking, or riding bicycles to school.
School buses will also be returning to our highways and will be making frequent stops to pick students up. Drivers should be aware that passing a stopped school bus is a serious driving offense and violators face citations that can result in fines and the addition of 5 points to their driver’s license. More information on the N.C. school bus stop law can be found at www.ncbussafety.org
Parents driving their children to school and high school students driving themselves to school should also be prepared to encounter the increased traffic that will be present at all area elementary, middle, and high schools, and should plan ahead for these delays by arriving at their assigned schools well in advance of the start of class.
The Gaston County Police Department also wishes to remind motorists of the school speed zones located at schools throughout the county. County Police will be conducting radar enforcement in a number of school zones throughout the school year.
For further information contact Captain W.S. Melton, Jr., Support Service Commander, 704-866-3310.