Students return to school, motorists asked to slow down
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Ripley County children have returned to school and with their return, officers are reminding motorists to slow down and be aware.

Students going back to school means there are more student drivers on the roads and buses transporting children. Motorists are asked to be aware of the buses, stop when they are unloading, and generally slow down when approaching a bus. "Just be aware that they could stop quickly," noted Sheriff Bill Davison, as he asked motorists to use caution around buses and school zones for the safety of "our most precious resource - our children."

Schools have special speed zones and these speed limits will be strictly enforced for the safety of everyone involved, according to School Resource Officer Michael Benjamin.

Benjamin reminds motorists to be aware of the school zones and gives the following information:

South Ripley School Zone on Benham Road is 25 MPH (when children are present) and 35 MPH any other time. He advises motorists to "use caution especially when approaching the crosswalk area."

Jac-Cen-Del School Zone on US 421 is 30 MPH (when yellow caution lights at both ends of the school zone are flashing) and 40 MPH any other time.

Milan School Zone on SR 101 in front of the Milan High School and Milan Middle schools is 25 MPH when children are present, 40 MPH any other time, and on Carr Street in front of the Milan Elementary, the speed limit is 20 MPH when children are present.

Sunman Elementary School Zone is 20 MPH when yellow lights at both ends of the zone are flashing and 40 MPH any other time.

Deputy Benjamin noted that increased police enforcement will be watching these areas and helping to remind motorists to slow down.