KNOX COUNTY, Maine — As summer winds down, the schools across our county are preparing to welcome students back for a new academic year. With school buses, young pedestrians, and bicyclists returning to Midcoast roadways, Knox County Sheriff Patrick Polky is issuing an urgent call to all motorists to stay vigilant, slow down, and share the road responsibly. 

The transition back to school means a significant shift in daily traffic patterns across the towns of our county, impacting routes connected to all 28 public and private schools that span our mainland and island communities. We want to remind drivers that children waiting at bus stops or walking to school can be unpredictable, making motorist awareness the first line of defense against tragedy.

"Communities all across Maine have experienced profound, permanent heartbreak due to school-related traffic tragedies in recent years," said Sheriff Polky. "Here in Knox County, we carry the heavy memory of our own past losses, including young Brayden Callahan in Rockland. These preventable incidents—both locally and statewide—serve as a stark reminder that traffic safety is a shared public responsibility. When you are behind the wheel, nothing matters more than the lives of our children."

To ensure our streets remain safe across all local districts, Knox County deputies will be out in force, paying extra attention to drivers during peak school start and end hours. Deputies will be highly visible, monitoring school zones, bus routes, and high-traffic corridors across the county to enforce traffic laws and stop-arm compliance.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety urge drivers to memorize and follow these life-saving rules:

● Know the Stop-Arm Law (Title 29-A, §2308): It is strictly illegal to pass a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm from either direction on any undivided road. Motorists must come to a complete stop at least 10 feet away until the red lights stop flashing and the bus resumes motion. First-time offenses carry a minimum $250 fine, and a second offense within three years results in an automatic 30-day license suspension.

● Abide by School Zone Speed Limits: Yellow flashing lights mean you must immediately reduce your speed. Dropping your speed by just a few miles per hour significantly improves your ability to stop suddenly and avoid a collision.

● Put the Phones Away: Maine law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and your mind focused on your surroundings, especially during peak morning and afternoon school hours.

● Expect the Unexpected: Look out for young pedestrians who may be rushing, looking down at devices, or darting into crosswalks and traffic without checking for cars.

● Plan Ahead and Be Patient: Bus routes and school drop-off lanes take time. Leave your home early to eliminate the urge to rush or take unnecessary risks.

"Every choice you make behind the wheel has a real impact on our local families," Sheriff Polky emphasized. "A rush to get to your destination or a quick text is never worth a child's life. Our deputies will be out ensuring drivers respect our school zones and stop-arm laws, but we need our community to partner with us. Let's make this school year safe by choice, not by chance. If you see reckless driving, do not hesitate—call 911 immediately."