Traffic safety a priority as Nye County school year starts

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office announced it plans to be out in force Monday as children return to schools to start the 2017-18 academic year.

“Nye County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be patrolling at each school throughout the county to provide traffic enforcement and safe passage for the students,” authorities said. “Student safety is a priority and will continue to be a priority throughout the school year.”

Motorists are asked to remember to be alert and watch for children as students return to class starting Monday morning.

“During this busy time, drivers, please be extra cautious while passing through school zones, picking up and dropping off students,” the sheriff’s office statement said. “Be mindful of school traffic zones and the 15 mph speed limits, especially during the morning hours and early afternoons. School principals set the speed limit in and around their schools. State law also dictates a speed limit of 25 mph in areas designated as school zone crossings.”

When the school zone is not posted, the speed limit is 25 mph, Nye County authorities said.

“Remember, children are freely walking, running, and playing in a school zone, and it is the job of a driver to ensure that they can safely do so,” the sheriff’s office statement said. “Be alert for potential hazards around our schools and in neighborhoods. Slow down and increase stopping distances.”

School buses also are back on the road.

“Be aware of school bus routes in the neighborhoods and throughout daily travel,” the sheriff’s office said. ”Leave plenty of time and space for buses. With school traffic, anticipate delays in travel and leave early if needed. When approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for bus and pedestrian traffic.”

In Nye County, school start times range from 8:05 a.m. to 9:05 a.m., with the drop-off times starting 15-to-20 minutes earlier, depending on the school, the sheriff’s office said.