HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. -- The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is warning drivers to use caution during the few weeks of school as kids and parents get acclimated to their new schedules.

"Both parents and children will be extremely distracted and could be unpredictable, so everyone must use extra caution to avoid a tragedy," Sheriff Al Nienhuis said. 

Nienhuis says it is important for all drivers to leave at least 15 to 30 minutes early to avoid the extremem danger associated with being distracted or frustrated because that driver is late for work or school.  

"Keeping our youngest and most vulnerable citizens safe, as they make their way to and from school, is everyone's responsibility. Toward that end, my deputies will be out in force, ensuring that everyone stays focused on what is really important during their commute, getting to their destination safely," Sheriff Nienhuis said. 

Drivers should be mindful of: 

  • Many students will be walking and/or riding bicycles to school along the sidewalks and county roadways
  • Parents should ensure that children who ride bicycles wear properly fitting helmets
  • Expect heavy traffic back-ups in school zones
  • Parents should have children ride school buses when bus routes are available, alleviating unnecessary traffic in school zones
  • Motorists should avoid school zones if at all possible
  • Be patient and drive carefully
  • The first few weeks of school are always extra busy so leave plenty of time to travel
  • When a school bus stops and the red lights are flashing - traffic approaching from either direction is required to stop
  • Reduce or eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
  • Put down the phone
  • Do not text and drive
  • If you have any type of emergency or get into an accident, call 9-1-1 immediately
  • tell the operator the location of the emergency
  • answer all of the questions appropriately
  • emergency vehicles are dispatched immediately - answering the dispatcher's questions does not delay the response.