Sheriff advises care near schools

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis is asking motorists to be careful on the roads in preparation for the first day of school Monday.

“Heading back to school is an exciting time for many students,” Nienhuis stated in a media release this week. “Unfortunately, that excitement can impair their safety-related decision making.

“Drivers need to demonstrate extra caution to ensure the safety of our youngest citizens.”

The first week of school consistently produces increased pedestrian traffic as well as vehicular traffic along Hernando’s roadways, deputies said.

Drivers are being warned about the volume of students walking to school, traffic backups in school zones, bus stops and bus signals.

Deputies also are warning drivers not to talk or text on the phone while driving.