Police Urge Caution at Bus Stops, School Zones

Fairfax County police are urging drivers to be extra vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists as county schools resume classes Tuesday.

Commuters should expect increased congestion throughout the week and should build time into their schedules to accommodate for the traditionally heavy time period. Also, police officers will be posted to school zones and near bus stops to help ensure pedestrian safety, as well as safe loading and unloading of students.

Police are reminding drivers that when bus lights and stop signs are activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they are separated from the bus by a median.

In 2011, officers issued 1,364 citations for speeding in school zones. They also issued 364 citations for improperly passing school buses and not stopping for a school bus with flashing lights.

Most of these infractions occurred between 6 and 8 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m.