A Message from the Wright County Sheriff's Office
With change of seasons comes other changes, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all citizens that safe driving is a primary concern. Wright County has numerous construction zones, kids back in school, sun position changes, weather changes, and more people going back to work.
Sheriff Sean Deringer asks all drivers to:
- Always keep 100 percent of your attention on the road – try to avoid multi-tasking.
- Don’t use your phone or electronic devices while driving.
- Wear your seat belt.
- Slow down.
The Safest Mode of Transportation for Children
In Minnesota, school buses make at least 10,000 school bus trips daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the safest mode of transportation for children — children are eight times safer riding in a bus to school than any other vehicles.
- In Minnesota in 2019, there was one fatality involving a school bus.
- There were 3,220 traffic crashes involving school buses from 2015-2019. Only 272 school age children who were riding in a school bus were hurt during that time frame.
Stop for School Buses: It's the Law!
- State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended.
- Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine.
- Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child.
Motorists
Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads. Motorists should slow down, pay attention, and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones. The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.
Students
When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder. Wait for the bus driver to signal that it’s safe to cross. When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding.