MONTGOMERY — As students across Alabama return to classrooms for the new school year, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is reminding motorists to use extra caution as school buses, young pedestrians and increased traffic return to roadways.
The beginning of the school year typically brings heavier morning and afternoon traffic, frequent school bus stops, more pedestrians and bicyclists near schools and reduced speed limits in school zones. ALEA Troopers are encouraging drivers to allow additional travel time, reduce speeds and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.
“As a parent, I understand the excitement and the concern that come with sending our children back to school each year,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We all want to know they will arrive safely and make it back home at the end of the day.”
Taylor urged motorists to remain patient as they adjust to school-year traffic patterns.
“With school buses back on the roads and more young drivers and pedestrians traveling each morning and afternoon, I ask everyone to be patient, put the phone down and slow down,” Taylor said. “Those few extra minutes behind the wheel are a small price to pay when it comes to protecting Alabama’s children.”
ALEA Department of Public Safety Director Col. Jonathan Archer said Troopers will be visible around school zones and heavily traveled routes during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal periods.
“Back-to-school season is an exciting time for students and families, but it also brings increased traffic and activity around our schools and communities,” Archer said. “As students return to the classroom, our Troopers will be visible in and around school zones and along heavily traveled routes during those busy morning and afternoon hours.”
Archer said drivers should give themselves additional time to reach their destinations rather than rushing through increased traffic.
“We know it takes time for everyone to readjust to school-year traffic, but that makes it even more important to leave a little earlier, slow down and stay focused behind the wheel,” Archer said. “Our goal is simple, to help every child get to school safely and make it back home at the end of the day.”
Safety Reminders for Drivers
ALEA advises motorists to obey posted speed limits, particularly in school zones and residential areas, and to watch carefully for children walking or riding bicycles near schools, neighborhoods, crosswalks and bus stops.
Drivers should put phones away and avoid other distractions while operating a vehicle. Motorists are also encouraged to anticipate delays during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal and allow additional travel time.
Drivers should never pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and all occupants should wear seat belts or use appropriate child-restraint systems.
School Bus Safety
Motorists should be prepared to stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights and extends its stop arm. Drivers should never attempt to pass a stopped school bus when prohibited by law.
ALEA recommends that students arrive at bus stops early and wait in a safe location away from the roadway. Children should wait until the bus has completely stopped and the driver indicates it is safe before approaching.
Students should never walk behind a school bus. When crossing in front of a bus, they should remain far enough ahead that the driver can clearly see them. If an item is dropped near or underneath the bus, students should alert the driver rather than attempting to retrieve it themselves.
Walking and Biking to School
Students walking to school should use sidewalks when available and cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections. Before entering a roadway, pedestrians should stop and look left, right and left again, even when they have the right of way.
ALEA also recommends making eye contact with drivers before crossing and avoiding phones or headphones that could interfere with awareness of surrounding traffic.
Students riding bicycles should wear properly fitted helmets and follow traffic laws. Those walking or biking in low-light conditions should wear bright or reflective clothing and use appropriate lights or reflective equipment.
Parents and Teen Drivers
Parents of younger children are encouraged to review the safest routes to school or bus stops and remind children not to enter a roadway unexpectedly.
Students who drive to school should wear seat belts, obey speed limits and keep their phones put away while driving. Teen drivers are also encouraged to minimize distractions from passengers and leave enough time to reach school without speeding or driving aggressively.
ALEA is asking everyone traveling during the school year — whether driving, walking, biking or riding a school bus — to remain alert as students return to Alabama roadways.
