The first day of school has arrived for many students across Southeast Iowa, bringing buses back onto the roads and increased vehicle and foot traffic near school buildings.
Drivers should allow extra travel time, slow down in school zones and watch carefully for children walking or riding bicycles. Students may be difficult to see between parked vehicles, and younger children may not always look before entering the street. Motorists should also follow the directions of crossing guards and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
Drivers are reminded to watch for school buses. When meeting a bus displaying flashing amber lights, motorists must slow to no more than 20 miles per hour and prepare to stop. Once the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, vehicles must stop and remain stopped until the arm is retracted. Drivers approaching from behind must stop at least 15 feet from the bus.
On roads with three lanes or fewer, traffic traveling in both directions must stop. On highways with at least two lanes in each direction, drivers approaching from the opposite direction are not required to stop—but traffic traveling behind the bus must always stop.
Parents dropping off students should use designated loading areas, avoid double parking and never block crosswalks or bus lanes. Students should cross streets at marked locations, stay on sidewalks when available and wait for a bus driver’s signal before crossing in front of a school bus.
A little additional patience and attention can help everyone begin the new school year safely.
KILJ Radio wishes the best of luck to all Southeast Iowa students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers and school staff. Have a safe, successful and exciting school year!