Nashville, Tennessee — Be alert! Slow down! Be safe in the school
zone! That?s the message the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS)
and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) want to remind drivers and
students as we prepare to ?spring? our clocks forward.

Daylight Saving Time takes effect Sunday morning. That means there
will be much less light and visibility as children head back to class
Monday morning. THP encourages everyone to take extra caution as they
make their way to school and work, especially in school zones and when
approaching school bus stops.

Last August, the THP launched its 2nd annual Back to School enforcement
campaign targeted at keeping children safe as they travel to and from
school. THP has dedicated approximately 850 work hours to enforce
safety in school zones and around bus stops.

?Our goal is to protect Tennessee children from drivers who may be
distracted, impatient or careless? said Safety Commissioner Dave
Mitchell. ?Children are at a greater risk of being involved in an
accident this time of year when there is poor visibility in the morning.
That?s why you?ll see more State Troopers around school buses and in
school zones, writing tickets to drivers who break the law.?

THP has continued its stepped-up enforcement efforts to protect
children throughout the school year. Since August 1st, Troopers have
written nearly 3,500 moving and 1,556 non-moving violations in school
zones.

?The fact that school buses are painted yellow, a color signifying
caution, should encourage all drivers to slow down when they see one,?
stated Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker. ?In Tennessee,
it?s against the law to pass a school bus with its red lights
flashing–no exception. However, the need for drivers and students to be
cautious extends beyond bus stops and school zones.?

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration reports
approximately 43 students were killed in 2006 and according to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, another 17,000 were injured in incidents
involving school buses. Most of the deaths and injuries occurred as the
children were entering or exiting a bus.

The Tennessee Department of Safety?s mission is
(www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare
of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol,
Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas
of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist
services and terrorism prevention.