Back to school safety tips

In preparation for your kids returning to school, knowing about safe driving in school zones is important. The legal speed limit in school zones is 20 mph. In Thermopolis, there are several areas of school zones, one is for the Middle School on 14th Street, and the other surrounding the high school and elementary school on Park Street, Springview Street, Arapahoe Street and Senior Avenue.

Being safe and driving carefully are a must. 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 $485 and for Commercial Vehicles is $52 to $780 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 $100.

Ignore the crossing guard, “Obedience to Authorized Persons Directing Traffic”, and you will be cited for over $250 per Wyoming Statute 31-5-104.

If 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 376; Section 10-119 will amount to a $260 fine.

School buses are everywhere at different times during the day. You may run across one on your way to work or drop 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 $450 fine.

Thermopolis Patrol Division Sergeant, Mike G. Mascorro said, “Nothing is more important to the Thermopolis Police Department than the well-being of the children within our community.  With the start of the 2022 school year right around the corner, the Thermopolis Police Department would like to remind the community about driving safely in and around school zones and to keep a vigilant eye out for inattentive children crossing streets.  We also encourage parents to speak with their bus-rider children about school bus safety and review designated areas for pick-up and drop-off.  For children walking to school, please review appropriate routes and areas for children to safely cross roadways.”