As students return to classrooms this week, Jerauld County Sheriff Jason Weber is reminding motorists that back-to-school season also means changing driving habits.
School buses are once again traveling county roads, children are walking near schools and crossing streets, and increased morning traffic coincides with a time of year when fog can significantly reduce visibility.
Weber said one of the most important reminders for drivers is to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
“Every school year, we see motorists passing school buses, even when the red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended,” Weber said. “We want to make motorists aware of the laws — and the penalties that will be handed down when those laws are violated.”
South Dakota law requires motorists meeting a school bus with its red signal lights flashing to come to a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the flashing red lights are turned off.
“Until the bus has retracted its stop sign and turned all warning lights off, motorists must stop no matter what direction you’re coming from,” Weber said.
Drivers should also be prepared to slow down around Wessington Springs schools and watch closely for students on foot.
“As we get into the swing of students being back at school, people need to remember to change their driving habits in and around school zones,” Weber said. “Yield to pedestrians in school zones, yield in crosswalks and pay close attention to the posted speed limit.”
The general posted speed limit in Wessington Springs is 25 mph. Near the high school, the school zone speed limit is 15 mph, while the posted speed near the elementary school is 20 mph.
Speeding in a school zone can also carry significantly higher fines. Weber reminds motorists that the faster they travel above the posted school zone limit, the greater the penalty.
Fog adds another morning hazard The start of school also coincides with a time of year when early morning fog can create dangerous driving conditions on rural roads.
“This time of year, we typically experience early morning fog conditions, severely reducing visibility,” Weber said. “Somewhat similar to driving in a blizzard, navigating in these conditions is very difficult.”
When driving in fog, Weber recommends motorists slow down and allow extra time to reach their destination. Drivers should use low-beam headlights, which also illuminate their taillights and make their vehicles more visible from behind. Fog lights should be used when available.
High beams should not be used in fog because the light reflects off the moisture and creates glare, making it more difficult to see the roadway ahead.
Drivers should also increase the distance between their vehicle and the one ahead to allow additional time for sudden stops. Watching the painted roadway lines can help motorists remain in their lane when visibility is limited.
If fog becomes so dense that visibility is near zero, Weber recommends turning on hazard lights and pulling completely off the roadway into a safe location, such as a parking lot, until conditions improve.
Whether navigating fog, approaching a school bus or traveling through a school zone, eliminating distractions is also important. Weber urges motorists to put down their phones and remember that texting while driving is illegal in South Dakota.
“The safety of kids in our communities is paramount — we all want to prevent the unthinkable — and motorists need to realize that they play a big role in that,” Weber said.