Breaking News for Culpeper and Warrenton Accident Victims

Culpeper & Warrenton motorists reminded to stay alert in school zones

Posted on Sep 29, 2010

Now that school is back in session, motorists should again be getting used to school speed zones and crosswalks. However, police in Culpeper and Warrenton are still on the lookout for motorists who are not exercising the appropriate care around school children – which can lead to a serious auto accident.

Drivers must remember that small children are unpredictable. Drivers should be extremely cautious when driving through school zones or near routes that children take to go home. Serious accidents can happen if a child darts into the road or if a driver speeds through a crosswalk.

Police are especially looking for drivers who fail to follow Virginia law when pedestrians are in a crosswalk. Drivers, if you see a pedestrian entering a crosswalk, you MUST stop and wait for them to cross the road. If you do not, you could face a $200 civil fine.

Some drivers are also failing to treat school buses with respect. In Virginia drivers must stop when a school bus stops with flashing red lights and displays a stop sign. Passing a school bus illegally can lead to a tragic pedestrian accident, possibly taking the life of a small child.

Drivers who pass a stopped school bus can lead to a $250 ticket for the first offense, or a $500 ticket for the second offense.