School's in session: Motorists urged to watch out for children

Sheriff Ron Pierini reminds motorists to watch out for children now that schools have reopened.

Carson Valley elementary schools began classes Wednesday. By Monday, all Douglas County Schools will be open.

"Drivers should anticipate an increase in child pedestrian activity, especially in and around the school zones," Pierini said.

Drivers must obey the posted speed limit when traveling through a school zone, and watch for children crossing the roadways, he said. The minimum fine for a speeding violation within a school zone is $145.

"Deputies will be strictly enforcing the traffic laws in and around our schools and at the school bus stops," Pierini said.

"Drivers are reminded that they are obligated to bring their vehicles to a stop when meeting or overtaking a school bus displaying a flashing red signal," Pierini said.

Fines for failing to stop for a school bus range from $220 for passing on the driver's side of the bus, to $832 for passing on the loading side of the bus.

A driver need not stop upon a divided roadway when the school bus has stopped on the opposite side of the roadway.