As the 2010-11 school year kicks off, Citrus County students will be riding their bicycles or walking to and from school.

You’ll see them waiting at bus stops.  School buses will be everywhere, and lights will be flashing by designated school zones.

Whether driving to work, running an errand or making a delivery, drivers need to realize that the risk of a deadly collision between a child and a motor vehicle may increase during the start of the school year.  That’s because drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists are still in their summertime mind-set and not paying attention to what’s going on around them.  Small children are particularly vulnerable because they’re harder to see, and their actions sometimes are unpredictable.

Motorists are reminded to pay extra-close attention to reduced speed limits in designated school zones near schools and their campuses, especially since these school-zone speed limits may vary from zone to zone.

Permanent signs that designate school zones and school-zone speed limits clearly display to drivers the times during which the restrictive speed limit is enforced.  In many cases, these signs will feature flashing lights to further alert motorists to slow down, and school crossing guards also may be in evidence.

The sheriff’s crossing guards say that drivers should make sure they use proper signaling around the county’s schools as well.  It’s important for the guards to know what drivers’ intentions are and where exactly they’re heading.

Keep in mind that driving at a speed greater than that posted in a designated school zone not only can result in tragedy, but also may translate into a hefty traffic fine for the offender.

For instance, effective July 1, the fine in Citrus County for speeds 1-5 mph over the posted speed limit in a school zone is $156.  Rising in increments, the fine for speeds 20-29 mph over the posted speed limit in a school zone is $456.  Motorists who exceed the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more will receive a mandatory court appearance where a judge may increase the fine and even tack on court costs.

Under ordinary circumstances, drivers approaching any school bus displaying a stop signal must come to a full stop while the bus is halted.  They may not pass the bus until the signal has been withdrawn.  Drivers also are prohibited from passing a school bus on the side that children enter and exit whenever the bus is displaying a stop signal.

And finally, be on the lookout for children walking to and from school or waiting at bus stops.  Observe all school-zone speed limits and slow down when you see crossing guards ahead.  By keeping your eyes open and your mind focused, you too can help keep Citrus County’s schoolchildren safe.

By Gail A. Tierney, Public Information Officer

Gail Tierney is public information officer for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.  She has been with the agency for 20 years.  Comments or suggestions may be directed to Gail at 352-341-7460, or gtierney@sheriffcitrus.org.