A message from Sheriff Mike Smith regarding school child safety:
Knox County schools will be back in session beginning Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Back to school is always an exciting and busy time and safety is not always on a child's mind. In order to ensure the safety of Knox County's school children, motorists are reminded to drive with extra caution when entering school zones and when approaching a school bus either loading or unloading children. Motorists are further reminded to use caution in the area of schools even after the school day ends due to extracurricular activities and sporting events.
There are some safety tips that you as a motorist can practice that would help to make school children safer:
• Never pass a stopped school from behind or from any other direction.
• Stop far enough distance from a school bus to allow children to safely enter and exit the bus. It should be noted that the area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children
• Be alert: children often are unpredictable.
• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones and near playgrounds,
• Observe the posted speed limits, especially in school zones.
• Be prepared for sudden stops
• Refrain from distracted driving such as texting and other cell phone usage.
I would like to thank everyone in advance for their cooperation in making this a happy and successful school year, Sheriff Smith concluded.
Press Release by Knox County Sheriff’s Office