Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) students will return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 11.
Last week, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office announced its “School’s Open Campaign” to ensure the safest possible traffic environment in and around school zones.
The “School’s Open Campaign” is a part of the Be Safe Botetourt Traffic Safety Program focused on increasing traffic safety awareness. With public schools reopening, the Sheriff’s Office raises awareness that soon children and buses will again be present on highways. The purpose of this effort is to educate motorists on the laws pertaining to stopped school buses, pedestrians, and speeding in school zones.
The Sheriff’s Office will begin posting educational material on social media platforms reminding motorists to obey current laws, outlining enhanced penalties for violations in school zones and the passing of a stopped and unloading school bus.
“As sheriff, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of our children and loved ones while providing support to our school system,” Sheriff Matt Ward said. “We take that responsibility seriously.”
On August 11, the Sheriff’s Office, funded through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, will deploy extra deputies and School Resource Officers to perform high visibility enforcement in school zones and to encourage safe driving behavior. This includes enforcement of the speed limit in school zones.
The Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind citizens of the fact that many of the county’s buses are equipped with video cameras that will capture violators passing the bus once the bus’s red lights activate. The Sheriff’s Office works with the school division and its drivers to investigate and prosecute such violations.
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to join them in their efforts in keeping the county’s children safe during the new school year.
