The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all area motorists that the 2013/2014 school year is beginning.

During this time, many students, especially young students, may be waiting for school buses, or walking and riding their bikes to school for the first time.

It’s important that all motorists are cautious in school bus loading and unloading zones, as well as common routes to schools, and in the immediate school campus zones.

In their excitement to begin the upcoming school year, some students may not be watching for oncoming cars, so everyone will need to raise their level of awareness to insure that this is a safe and successful school year.

In addition, it is not only extremely unsafe to pass a school bus with the stop sign extended and flashing lights activated, but it is against the law, as well.

Officers will be patrolling school zones to watch for any dangerous or unsafe driving practices.