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6 UPDATE UPDATESHERIFF’S OFFICE The safety of our students is a top priority, and it requires the cooperation of everyone on the road. Deputy Samantha Mancini has been a Washington County Sheriff’s deputy since 2017 and has investigated stop arm violations since 2018. She is assigned to the patrol division and is a diver on the Water Recovery Team and Field Training Officer (FTO). SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY As the summer days draw to a close and the first bell of a new school year rings, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone of the importance of pedestrian and traffic safety. The safety of our students is a top priority, and it requires the cooperation of everyone on the road to ensure that our children arrive at school and return home safely. With the hustle and bustle of school buses, children riding bikes, and the increased foot traffic around schools, it’s im- perative for both drivers and pedestrians to be vigilant and aware of the laws and guidelines designed to keep everyone safe. School buses are designed to be one of the safest modes of transportation for our children, and it is estimated that over 20.5 million elementary and secondary school children ride buses to and from school each day. However, this safety can be compromised when drivers ignore the stop arm and flashing lights, making one of the most critical aspects of back-to-school safety understanding and obeying Minnesota’s school bus stop arm laws. Before stopping to pick up or drop off stu- dents, the school bus will signal their stop by flashing yellow or amber lights. Once the bus comes to a complete stop, red lights will activate and the stop arm will extend, indicating that all traffic – regardless of direction – must come to a complete stop. It is crucial that drivers stop for the yellow lights, not race around them to try to get past. Failing to stop for a school bus stop arm is not only against the law but could have severe and irreversible consequences. For decades, the the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has assigned a dedicated deputy to investigate all reported school bus stop arm violations throughout the county. Violating school bus stop arm laws can result in hefty fines, the loss of your driver’s license, or even jail time if a child is injured or killed. Off the bus, many children ride their bikes to school or cross streets to get there. Whether walking or riding, it’s crucial for both children and drivers to understand and practice safe habits. Parents and guardians can play a vital role in educating their children about proper bicycle safety, including wearing helmets, using appropriate hand signals, and riding on des- ignated bike paths whenever possible. When children need to cross streets on their way to school, they should be instructed to use designated crosswalks or pedestrian crossings whenever possible. Teach them to look left, right, and left again before crossing and to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen. As drivers, we bear a significant responsibility for the safety of all road users. Children may not always be aware of traffic rules or the dangers of the road, and it’s our responsibility as drivers to exercise patience and caution, especially in areas with bus stops. Remember to slow down, eliminate distractions, stay alert, and obey all traffic laws. The well-being of our community’s youngest members depends on each one of us making responsible choices on the road, and together, we can ensure that our children’s journey to school is a safe and happy one.