August 8, 2019 – One week before fall term classes begin at Santa Fe College, K-12 students in Alachua and Bradford counties will be heading back to the classroom. Students in both districts start their academic year Monday, Aug. 12. Traffic on area roadways will increase and drivers should expect increased travel times heading into work, even if they don’t necessarily pass a school zone during their regular commute.
Avoid traffic headaches by leaving just a few minutes earlier than normal. The safety of area students is a priority, so remember that reduced speeds in school zones will be strictly enforced. Law enforcement from both counties and the Florida Highway Patrol will have increased patrols as the new school year gets underway. There will be plenty of newer drivers as well, as many high school students may be driving themselves to school on a regular basis.
School bus safety is another thing to consider. It is illegal to pass a school bus when it is stopped, flashing lights are on and the stop sign is extended. The only time traffic in the oncoming lane is allowed to continue traveling is if there is an unpaved median of at least five feet, a raised median or a physical barrier separating the vehicle from the stopped school bus.
You can keep up with the latest traffic information by visiting these traffic websites.
FHP Traffic site
https://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic/live_traffic_feed.html
Gainesville/Alachua County Smart traffic