School buses resume; Oxford PD urges motorists to stop for stop arm

School buses will begin regular routes again soon as Lafayette County students return Friday and Oxford students return next week, the Oxford Police Department said in a social media post.

School resource officer Lee Williams reminded motorists that when a school bus displays its stop arm and flashes red lights, drivers must stop to allow children to board or exit safely, the department said. The post urged residents to “do our part to keep students safe this school year.”

School resource officers work with school districts and police departments to promote safety around schools, including traffic safety near bus stops. The reminder from Oxford police follows routine back-to-school outreach many law enforcement agencies undertake each year to reduce risks to students as bus routes restart.

Stopping for a school bus is intended to protect children entering and leaving the bus and to prevent traffic-related injuries. Motorists should watch for buses, obey posted school zone limits and follow local laws governing school bus stops. We will provide more information as it becomes available.