The Fairfax County Police will be launching their SOS (Start of School) Safety Campaign in September.
With back to school quickly approaching, the Fairfax County Police Department wants to remind motorists of traffic safety laws with regard to school buses.
"We recommend that people find out what time the bus stops are in your neighborhood. Set your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier in the morning so you will not feel stressed out about being behind a bus," said Master Police Officer Allie Eggers, of the Fairfax County Traffic Safety Division.
A new survey, just released by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), found that more than 108,000 school bus drivers reported that 85,279 private vehicle drivers passed their buses illegally in one day during their annual survey.
"When the stop sign comes out from the bus, you need to stop. Before proceeding, please watch for children because they can dart out in front of you," Eggers said.
Fairfax County Police will be out on patrol watching for motorists who are speeding and passing stopped school buses.
"Remember to be patient and realize you have to stop and you cannot proceed until the sign comes back to the bus," Eggers added.