Rabun County Schools start classes next week
Classes in Rabun County Schools will be back in session Aug. 11, and Sheriff Chad Nichols wants to remind citizens of school bus safety laws and tips “to ensure the safety of the students, parents, faculty/staff, bus drivers, and deputies.”
School bus stop law
“You must stop for a stopped school bus on every road in Rabun County except on U.S. 441 South,” he said.
The only exception is if the roadway is separated by a grass median (U.S. 441 South), unpaved area or a physical barrier. In this case, drivers on the opposite side of the school bus do not have to stop for a school bus on the opposite side of the barrier.
If you are cited and convicted for failing to stop for a school bus, your license will receive six points for this violation, according to Nichols.
Scott Crane, county commissioner and school safety officer for Rabun County Schools, urges drivers to know the law and stop for school buses.
“One of the biggest offenses we saw last year was people passing the school bus when the school bus sign was out,” Crane said.
He said a good rule of thumb for drivers in Rabun County to follow is that drivers in all lanes of traffic must stop for a school bus, except for the area on 441 south of the Clayton city limits to Tallulah Falls.
Follow school zone speed limits
“I would also encourage drivers to not speed within the school zone. The school zone is designated by markings to include the flashing yellow caution lights on both ends. The speed limit is 45 mph during this time but I would suggest traveling at a slower speed especially these first few weeks of school,” Nichols said.
Nichols said motorists need to plan to leave earlier so they have more time to get their children to school and not rush, and be attentive when approaching the deputy at the Boggs Mountain Intersection.
“Watch for the deputy’s signal to stop or proceed and as usual there will be no cross traffic allowed while the deputy is in the roadway directing traffic. This has been established to keep our deputy safe while performing a dangerous service to everyone traveling to and from school,” Nichols said.
He said School Resource Deputies (SROs) are positioned all around the school campus to help maintain a safe flow of traffic.
Be patient and don’t block the roadway
“Probably the most important thing for drivers to do is to have patience,” Nichols said. “Whether it is in school traffic on the roadway or the drop off line at the school, just remember that everything is being done with the safety of the children as the top priority.”
Nichols said those waiting for school to be released and the gates to open on Boggs Mountain should not block the roadway. If you are lining up and are in the roadway, you need to move to the gate leading up to the high school wait instead.
“This request is for your safety and the safety of others traveling Boggs Mountain Road. I wish our students, faculty and staff, and our School Resource Deputies a safe and successful school year.”
Pickup and dropoff
The earliest a student can be dropped off at school is 7:30 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:05, said Superintendent April Childers.
“Bus drivers will contact families if there are any changes in routes or times. Routes and drivers will be updated on the website and any questions should be directed to the transportation department,” Childers said.