Drivers should plan for the unexpected with children riding school buses today (Monday) to start a new school year in Cherokee County.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is working to educate motorists about bus safety laws and is seeking the public’s cooperation in helping enforce penalties for passing a stopped school bus. Troopers in Cherokee County issued a total of 281 tickets between January and May this year near schools for moving violations such as speeding and not wearing a seat belt.

“Safety is of the utmost importance as we start the school year,” said Lance Cpl. Billy Elder of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. “Many students are riding the bus for the first time. Drivers should use caution around schools and be prepared to stop for a school bus when it is loading and unloading children.”

Drivers on 2-lane roads must always stop for a school bus. Motorists traveling on a 4-lane highway in the opposite direction of a school bus should slow down and pass with caution.

The penalties for passing a stopped school bus can be a fine of $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. The violations will cost offenders six points on their driving record.

Last week’s multi-vehicle school bus accident in Missouri illustrates the serious safety risks when commercial trucks, school buses and regular vehicles are sharing the road.

Two people were killed and more than 40 people injured Aug. 5 in a freeway crash near Gray Summit, Mo. The accident involved a tractor-trailer, a pickup truck and two school buses loaded with high school band members on their way to an amusement park.

With Cherokee County schools starting today (Monday), the South Carolina Highway Patrol is urging drivers to allow extra time and exercise patience while traveling to local schools.

“Expect the unexpected. Children can get distracted easily and aren’t always cautious. You never know when a child might decide to dart in front of a car,” Elder said. “The speed limit around schools is generally 25 miles an hour. Allow more time to get to school. This is important at the beginning of the school year when parents are getting accustomed to the traffic patterns at schools.”

 Drivers on 2-lane roads must always stop for a school bus. Motorists traveling on a 4-lane highway in the opposite direction of a school bus should slow down and pass with caution.

 The penalties for passing a stopped school bus can be a fine of $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. The violations will cost offenders six points on their driving record.