Back to School

Sheriff Joseph Crawford held a press conference this morning to remind the citizens of Kanawha County that the start of another school year is just around the corner. On August 19, thousands of students will be heading back to classrooms, school buses will be back on our roads, and school zones will once again be busy with children, parents, teachers, and staff.

The safety of our children is a responsibility we all share.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies out in full force throughout the county, particularly around our schools and school zones. Deputies will be actively monitoring traffic and enforcing school zone laws, with zero tolerance for speeding in school zones and passing stopped school buses.

We are asking everyone to do their part:

Slow down in school zones. Give yourself extra time and expect increased traffic.

Stop for school buses. Never pass a stopped school bus when its warning lights are activated. A child could be crossing the road, even if you don’t see them.

Put the phone down. Distracted driving has no place around schools or anywhere children are present.

Stay alert. Watch for children walking, riding bicycles, crossing streets, and getting on or off buses.

Follow school traffic patterns and posted signs. Be patient during drop-off and pickup. A few extra minutes isn’t worth putting a child in danger.

Our children should be able to walk into a school, step off a bus, or cross a street without worrying about whether a driver is paying attention.

As the new school year begins, let’s work together to make sure our students get to school safely in the morning and safely back home in the afternoon.

Slow down. Stay alert. Put the phone down. Protect our kids.