Nashville, Tennessee --- Children in communities across the state are boarding school buses and heading back to class, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is watching out for them.

With more than 8,250 school buses transporting children to and from school each week, Troopers will frequently patrol school zones throughout the state enforcing traffic laws such as speeding, aggressive driving and passing a stopped school bus.

"School zones exist for a reason. An aggressive driver poses a tremendous threat to the safety of children getting on and off a school bus," said Tennessee Department of Safety Fred Phillips. "Compliance with school zone laws is something every driver should do voluntarily, but the department will do all it can to ensure children get to and from school safely."

In addition to enforcement efforts of Troopers, THP's pupil transportation section further ensures school children travel safely by inspecting school buses and training bus drivers. During last year's school season, a total of 10,851 bus inspections were conducted and 11,404 bus drivers were trained.

"Through enforcement, bus inspections and driver training, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is prepared to stop any actions that may cause harm to school children," said THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. "Motorists can do their part to by paying attention and obeying the laws when driving through a school zone."

All school zones are unique, but there are some universal actions that drivers can take that will protect children everywhere. Following are some safe driving tips for traveling through school zones:

Slow down. Obey the posted speed limit in a school zone at all times. If conditions warrant, such as bad weather or poor visibility, driver even slower that the speed posted.

• Use caution. Children are hard to see at times. Avoid backing up, changing lanes or making turns in a school zone.
• Never pass a stopped school bus. Not only is passing a stopped school bus dangerous, it's against the law. All drivers must come to a full and complete stop until the bus driver deactivates the warning lights and stop sign arm.
• Observe special instructions. Many school zones are monitored by crossing guards. Remember they are there to direct the students, not the traffic. It's the driver's responsibility to follow the signs and signals in a school zone.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.