School is back in session for Greene County and Paton-Churdan schools and Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert has some reminders to keep everyone safe in rural areas.

He urges everyone to be vigilant at all intersections and take a couple of extra seconds to make sure there isn’t another vehicle approaching before proceeding.  He adds that at least four fatal crashes have occurred in Iowa this year from vehicles entering intersections too quickly.

As for school bus safety, Haupert reminds everyone that it is illegal to pass a stopped bus.

“We’ve had had instances where we felt we didn’t have enough time to stop, so we kind of slid on by, well let’s not (do that).  Even if you are even with that bus (when it’s stopped) let’s make a complete stop and help the safety of the children.”

Just this week, a driver was cited $435 for unlawfully passing a stopped Paton-Churdan School bus.  Finally, Haupert suggests kids walk in groups to and from the bus to help prevent the threat of being kidnapped.

“Numbers always help when their walking to and from any destination whether it be the park, or school or the swimming pool.  It’s unfortunate that we live in a society like that today, but we can never be too careful.”

He hopes everyone has a safe school year.