RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Sheriff’s deputies and Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne police officers monitored school zones on Wednesday when Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City schools’ students started a new year with their first half day.  Sheriff’s SRO Sgt. Dustin Cox reminds drivers to slow down in the school zones and pay attention to students who walk to school.

Some school zone safety lights are being repaired, so drivers are reminded to slow down and be extra cautious for students during the first full day of classes on Thursday, August 8, 2024. School crossing officers will be posted at school zones to provide extra safety for students. Please slow down, refrain from using your phone, and obey the school crossing officers’ signals during school zones.

The Sheriff’s Office Further Reports: While the first two-hour day for class began on Wednesday, the first full day of classes will be on Thursday. Drivers are reminded to slow down and obey the slower speed limit in school zones, said Sgt. Austin Watson.

Sheriff’s deputies will increase patrols in school zones to remind drivers to pay extra attention for safety. “We want to make sure that our students’ safety is paramount,” Watson said. “Remember, Tennessee is a hands-free state and you must not have your phone in your hand in a school zone.”

Drivers face a $200 fine if they are cited for using a cell phone in a school zone under Tennessee law.

Also, be sure to notice and obey the school crossing officers who are directing traffic outside the schools.