OnSept.1 a large group of new laws were created for numerous reasons, and many ofthem were safety laws that affect students. These include laws regarding theuse of seat belts, warning signs and cellular devices while driving, amongother laws.

            “Werecognize the danger of driver distraction’s”, SRO Crouch said. “A driver whois talking on the phone is four times as likely to get into an accident, whilea driver who is texting is twenty-four times more likely.”

            Thenew law forbids using a cell phone while driving in a school zone, andviolators are given a 200 dollar fine. Signs are being put up in areas wherethe law is in affect, so that drivers can be aware of the new changes.

            Manystudents and teachers find the changes to be positive. “I think it’s a lotsafer now that they are not allowing phones.” teacher Karen Hillier said. “Nowthat drivers are more concentrated, its should help to save lives.”

            Anotherlaw recently enacted involves seat belts. The belt can no longer be behind theback and all people in the car must wear them, regardless of position. The finefor breaking this particular law can be anywhere from fifty dollars to twohundred and fifty.

            Whilemost students responded positively to the change, others do not find the newlaws to have any meaningful impact.

“ I don’t see thepoint”, senior Brandon Barry said. “ It’s not like there are many little kidsrunning around.”

            Thesenew laws have been enacted to provide a safer environment for students,teachers and others in our area. With our high priority for safety, we’llprobably be seeing more in the future.