Safe Somersett Drivers/Safe Somersett Riders

Submitted by: Bill Shollenberger – Somersett resident and former WCSD transportation employee.

ROAD SAFETY WHEN BUSES ARE LOADING AND UNLOADING STUDENTS (FLASHING RED LIGHTS):

N.R.S. 484.357 states: the driver of any vehicle upon a highway, street or road, when meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any school bus, equipped with signs and signals required by law, which has stopped on the highway, street or road to receive or discharge any pupil and is displaying a flashing red light signal visible from the front and rear, shall bring the vehicle to an immediate stop and shall not attempt to overtake or proceed past the school bus until the flashing red signal ceases operation.

The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is positioned in the other roadway. The driver of a vehicle need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus where traffic is controlled by a traffic officer. “Divided highway” means a highway divided into two or more roadways by means of a physical barrier (i.e., wall, curb, island) or dividing section, constructed so as to impede the conflict of vehicular traffic traveling in opposite directions. Many four-lane roadways are not a divided highway.

Motorists who travel the four-lane portion of a highway or road that is not divided must stop for the school bus when it is stopped and has its red lights flashing while traveling in either direction – this includes all intersections on Somersett Parkway, Del Webb Parkway, and Somersett Ridge Parkway.

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and: (a) For a third or any subsequent offense within 2 years after the most recent offense, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and their driver’s license must be suspended for not more than 1 year. (b) For a second offense within 1 year after the first offense, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500 and their driver’s license must be suspended for 6 months. (c) For a first offense or any subsequent offense for which a punishment is not provided for in paragraph (a) or (b), shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500.

• For all new drivers and those new to Nevada: Be extra cautious in all school zones. Speed limits are set at 15 MPH, including areas around a school where bus stops are located. These areas are patrolled heavily by WCSD School Police and Reno PD.

• Please do not be ‘that’ driver: Motorists who pass school buses that are stopped to load or unload students have become a major safety concern across Reno and Washoe County. The risk of hitting, injuring, or even killing a child is certainly not worth passing a school bus with flashing lights.

WCSD School Police

The WCSD School Police are highly trained and skilled officers that work daily to help keep our schools and students safe. Below find a very short YouTube video produced by the WCSD School Police, along with a few FAQs for those who may not be aware:

1. Driving Safely near Buses and Schools - Tips and State Laws from the WCSD School Police https://www. youtube.com/embed/K-UTWyeUVBM a. Yes, School Police Officers are fully certified Category 1 State of Nevada Peace Officers. School Police can arrest or cite both juveniles and adults. a. Yes, under certain circumstances. School Police jurisdiction extends to official School District events off property, school busses and stops (during the time the students are there), and while students are directly on their way to and from school. a. No, the School Police Department is an independent police department, employed by the Washoe County School District. They collaborate with local law enforcement agencies on cases that cross jurisdictions. They also work with our local law enforcement partners on regional law enforcement concerns.

2. Can School Police Officers make arrests and issue criminal citations? Are they “Real Police Officers”?

3. Do School Police Officers have jurisdiction outside of school district property?

4. Are School Police Officers part of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office?

5. How do I contact the School Police? Dispatch NonEmergency phone: 775-348-0285 a. Yes, you can contact School Secret Witness at 329-6666 or text a tip to 274637, enter TIP725 and your message. b. Yes, you can contact SafeVoice via the free app, by calling 1-833-216-7233, or go the website at www.safevoicenv.org c. If your tip is an emergency, dial 911

6. Can I make an anonymous report?

Parents – Backpacks, clothing, and even shoes with reflective properties would be a great “Back-to-School” item to pick up. There are also many types of high-quality reflective tape that can be used during the winter months, which also works great on bicycles and scooters.

Together we can make the 2023/2024 school year safe and successful for all students and families!