The 2016-17 school year is underway and there are some reminders for motorists to be aware of to help keep kids safe in the rural parts of our communities.

Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert says motorists should use precaution when entering intersections on gravel roads, whether it be controlled, uncontrolled or T-intersections. Children could jump out at any time around the school bus picking or dropping them off and there’s also tall corn that could hinder someone’s vision.

“We had that bus situation last year that got hit by the semi on gravel. Fortunately no kids involved, but still damage to equipment and possible loss of life.”

Haupert adds that the same laws apply for passing buses illegally in the rural areas of the county if the stop arm is extended. He asks for the public’s help in letting other motorists know when a bus is coming to a stop.

“Give them plenty of room and stop back a ways. That also helps the bus driver and the safety for the child, but it also lets other motorists know (that) putting on your brake lights and maybe flashing them a couple of times and vehicles coming behind you, they may not be aware of that bus and what it’s trying to do. Hopefully you could help the situation there too.”

You can hear more of Sheriff Haupert on today’s Community State Bank in Paton’s Let’s Talk Greene County program. It airs during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on KGRA or anytime online at raccoonvalleyradio.com.