[August 23, 2016, Bel Air, MD] This week, summer vacations come to an end as our children return to the classroom. On Thursday, you will see Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies focusing their traffic enforcement efforts to ensure our children’s safety as they get to and from their classes on the first day of school. It is important to remember, “Back to School” means increased traffic with buses, cars, pedestrians, and bicycles on the road. Throughout the county, deputies will be conducting special traffic enforcement initiatives in an effort to educate motorists on the proper ways to keep our school children safe. Speed Enforcement and Saturation Patrols targeting designated school zones are key focus areas for deputies this week. Remember, some children, especially those going to school for the first time, may have never learned traffic safety. Others may have forgotten over the summer. Drivers need to be cautious around schools, bus stops and areas where children walk to school. As you head out on Thursday, please pay attention to your speed and watch out for the children and crossing guards, as well as, school buses loading and offloading children at schools and in our neighborhoods. Trying to save a few seconds of your time by passing a school bus while it’s red flashing lights are activated is not only dangerous, but can cost you $570 in fines and three points on your license.

In addition, Sheriff Gahler and members of the Command Staff will be visiting schools during morning drop off and dismissal to ensure a smooth First Day of School. Sheriff Gahler remarked, “Protecting our children and ensuring their travel to and from school is safe, is everyone’s responsibility. Our goal is to create a visible reminder to all motorists as we return to the school year.”