Students across Missouri are preparing to begin their 2020-21 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers this brings a change in traffic patterns, as school buses and parents will be taking their children to school, and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute.

A news release says, in good weather, pedestrian and bicycle traffic increases close to schools. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds and bicycle paths. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.

In 2019, three people were killed and 471 people were injured in 1,015 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 they ride a bike, please 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, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert as children may not be aware of traffic and dart out unexpectedly into the roadway.