Morristown, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – As students across Hamblen County return to classrooms this week, the Morristown Police Department is reminding motorists to use extra caution in school zones and along bus routes.
Police are encouraging drivers to plan ahead, expect heavier traffic and allow additional travel time during the morning and afternoon commute as thousands of students make their way to and from school.
Officials said school zones, bus stops and other congested areas will see increased activity throughout the week as the new school year gets underway.
Increased Enforcement Planned
Morristown Police Chief Roger Overholt said officers will be focusing enforcement efforts in school zones and along bus routes during key travel times.
“Officers of the Morristown Police Department will be concentrating enforcement in school zones and bus routes in both the morning and afternoon,” Overholt said.
Drivers are being reminded to pay close attention to reduced speed limits and school zone signs, particularly during the busiest student travel periods.
Police said motorists should be especially aware between:
- 6:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
- 2:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
School Bus Safety Reminder
The department is also emphasizing Tennessee laws involving stopped school buses.
As students return to school, buses will be making frequent stops to pick up and drop off children.
Officials said drivers must stop when a school bus displays flashing lights and extends its stop arm.
Motorists may only proceed after:
- The flashing lights stop
- The stop arm is retracted
- The bus begins moving again
When Drivers Must Stop
Police reminded drivers that vehicles traveling in both directions are generally required to stop for a school bus loading or unloading students.
The exception applies when the bus is on a roadway divided by a physical median or barrier. In those cases, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Officials noted that a center turn lane does not qualify as a barrier.
On roads divided only by a turn lane, drivers traveling in both directions must still come to a complete stop.
Safety Is the Priority
The Morristown Police Department said reducing distractions and staying focused behind the wheel can help keep students safe during the school year.
Officials are encouraging drivers to slow down, avoid using mobile devices while driving and watch carefully for children crossing streets, entering buses and walking near schools.
Police thanked residents for helping create safer roadways for Hamblen County students as classes resume.
“Drive responsibly, remove distractions and devote your full attention to operating your vehicle safely,” the department said.
With students back in school this week, officers say a few extra minutes of patience can help prevent crashes and keep children safe throughout the school year.
