Schools in Greer are set to welcome back students this week, and officials with the Greer Police Department are sharing back-to-school traffic tips with residents.
Students in Greenville County Schools will return to the classroom on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Police Department officials note that several areas in the city may experience significant congestion during school arrival and dismissal times.
Common areas of congestion identified by the department include the areas of Suber Road and Hammett Bridge Road near Riverside High School, as well as the areas of Gap Creek Road and Country Club Road near Greer Middle and Greer High School. Residents may see some deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office assisting with pedestrian crossings during peak hours.
“The biggest challenge is simply the increased volume of traffic concentrated in a relatively short period of time. This can create congestion and delays on roads surrounding schools, particularly when school traffic overlaps with normal morning or afternoon commuter traffic,” said Chris Forrester, Public Information Officer with Greer Police. “We encourage drivers to plan for additional travel time, remain patient and be especially attentive when traveling through these areas.”
For new drivers who may be driving to school for the first time, Forrester recommends they give themselves plenty of time to get to school in the morning.
“School zones and surrounding roads can be especially busy during their commute, so student drivers should remain patient, avoid distractions such as cell phones, maintain a safe following distance, and pay close attention to pedestrians, school buses and other vehicles,” he said.
The Greer Police Department has put out a video PSA on back-to-school traffic safety, addressing what to watch out for in school zones, when to stop for buses and common traffic violations. Residents can view the video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=27715621004796042.
For more information on the department, visit its website.
