Students across Missouri are preparing to begin their 2019-20 school year.
In a news release, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers this brings a change in traffic patterns, as school buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commutes. In good weather, pedestrian and bicycle traffic also increases close to schools.
The Highway Patrol says it is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds and bicycle paths. Whatever route you drive, you should expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.
In 2018, five people were killed and 457 people were injured in 969 traffic crashes involving school buses. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking or driving to school in a safe manner. If your children ride a bike, you are urged to make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers are urged to stay alert because children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2018 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22. Every driver needs to be aware of the increased traffic during this time—and not just in areas around schools. Some of these young drivers are headed to an after-school activity or going to work.