Follow the road rules in school zones

Now that the kids are back in school, it might be a good idea to brush up on your knowledge about driving in school zones.

Of course, just about everyone is aware of the 20 mph speed limits in school zones, and there are a few of them throughout town to help students get to school safely.

However, if you happen to speed through one of those school zones, Wyoming Statute 31-5-301(b)(i) will mean a fine anywhere from $52 to $450 or more, depending on your speed.

If you drive through one of the areas where there is a crossing guard there are actually three fines you could be looking at if you aren’t careful.

One is giving the right of way in crosswalks. In other words, if you go through the crosswalk when students or crossing guards are in the crosswalk, Wyoming Statute 31-5-602 allows an officer to give you a ticket for $85.

Ignore the crossing guard, “Obedience to Authorized Persons Directing Traffic”, and you will be forking over $235 per Wyoming Statute 31-5-104.

Say you’re driving down the street and you go through a school zone crossing that doesn’t have a crossing guard and children are in the crosswalk, Town Ordinance 10-119 will amount to a $270 fine.

School buses are everywhere at different times during the day. You may run across one on your way to work or dropping your own children off at school. Bus stops are everywhere, in town and out in the county as well.

Always be cautious when following or approaching a school bus as children may need to cross the street to get home.

Wyoming Statute 31-5-507, “Passing a School Bus with Lights On” can mean a $435 fine.

So keep your cash in your wallet and follow the rules around school zones this year. The children depend on it.