09/08/2026
Heads up Pittsylvania County! Tomorrow is the first day back to school for the nearly 8,000 students in Pittsylvania County Schools! That means 175 buses and A LOT more drivers (including student drivers and high schoolers who recently obtained their driver's licenses) will be on the road.
A few reminders below:
🚫 Do NOT exceed the speed limit in a school zone. Speeding in a school zone is very dangerous and jeopardizes your safety and the cars around you. Being convicted of speeding in a school zone will likely remain on your permanent criminal record and is punishable with a fine of up to $2,500, up to 12 months in jail, and a 6-month suspension of your driver's license.
🚍 Come to a complete STOP when you see a school bus with flashing lights loading or unloading students. The only time you don't need to stop is if the bus is on the opposite side of the road and there is a barrier or unpaved area between the two sides.
🚗🚗🚗 Plan for an increase in traffic on the roads as students, teachers, and support staff all make their way to the 22 schools across Pittsylvania County. Expect your commute to take a few minutes longer than it might have this summer.
📵 Do not drive distracted. Using a phone while driving is illegal in Virginia, but it's about more than the law; it's about protecting yourself and those around you. With the increase in traffic and slow-moving vehicles, any distraction can be fatal. Avoid anything that will prevent you from putting 100% of your focus on the road around you.
