JONESBORO, Ark. — As students across Craighead County return to school, the Sheriff’s Office has ramped up patrols in school zones to ensure driver safety and compliance with traffic laws.
Deputies are closely monitoring speeds, enforcing school zone regulations, and watching for distracted driving. Lt. Joe Bassham explained that the deputies’ presence isn’t solely about issuing citations but also about maintaining order when traffic incidents occur.
“It’s like when you’re driving and see a wreck — a lot of times, people focus on the accident instead of watching where they’re going, which can cause additional accidents,” Bassham said. “That’s why we aim to clear the scene quickly. In school zones, it’s the same thing.”
To avoid incidents, Bassham emphasized the importance of putting down cell phones and observing rules such as stopping for school buses when their flashing red lights are active. “If you’re driving slow, obeying traffic laws, and moving with the flow of traffic, you won’t have any problems,” he said.
Under Arkansas law, passing a school bus with its stop signs deployed is a Class A misdemeanor. Offenders can face fines between $250 and $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail. In addition, the state’s wireless device law imposes fines of up to $250 for first-time offenders, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to $500 for each subsequent offense.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers to prioritize safety and remain alert to protect students and avoid legal repercussions.