5 Driver Safety Tips For First Day Of School In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA—Fairfax County kids will head back to school on Tuesday, Aug. 28. With increased pedestrian traffic from kids getting on and off at bus stops around the county, officials want to remind residents to keep the roads safe during the school year.

Fairfax County roads are typically busy year-round, but the school year, there can be increased congestion during the morning and afternoon school transportation times. According to the county, Each day, Fairfax County Public Schools runs more than 1,600 buses to its 198 schools and centers. FCPS enrollment has reached over 188,000, and the county itself has over 1 million residents.

According to Fairfax County Police, the general times buses are on the roads are:

• Middle School: 6 a.m.-7 a.m. and 1:50 p.m.-2:50 p.m.
• High School: 7 a.m.-8 a.m. and 2:50 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Elementary School: 8 a.m.-9 a.m. and 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m.

Here are some tips to know for drivers as the school year begins:

1. Drivers must stop in both directions for a school bus unless separated by a median. Whether it's a two-lane, four-lane or road with a center turning lane, traffic must stop in both directions. When a road is divided by a median, only the traffic going in the same direction as the bus must stop.

2. It's illegal to pass a school bus picking up or dropping off children. Fines for passing a stopped school bus start at $250 in Virginia.

3. Be alert around school buses. The 10 feet around a school bus is where children are at the highest risk of being hit, according to the National Safety Council. Children can be more likely to ignore road hazards or fail to look both ways when crossing the street. Don't block crosswalks and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

4. Always stop for a school patrol sign, school patrol officer, or designated crossing guard. See crossing guard zones in Fairfax County.

5. Pay attention to where school zones start and end. Follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing. School zone speed limits may vary in hours and speeds.

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