Backpacks are packed, school buses are rolling and students across Alabama are heading back to the classroom. As families settle into a new school-year routine, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding motorists that back to school means back to safety on Alabama’s roadways.
The return of the school year brings increased morning and afternoon traffic, school buses making frequent stops, young pedestrians near roadways and reduced speed limits in school zones. ALEA Troopers are asking motorists to slow down, stay alert 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. 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. 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 (DPS) Director Colonel Jonathan Archer agreed and said “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. 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. 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. Our goal is simple, to help every child get to school safely and make it back home at the end of the day.”
As students and families settle into their school-year routines, ALEA offers the following reminders to help everyone start the year safely:
For Drivers:
• Slow down and obey posted speed limits, especially in school zones and residential areas.
• Put the phone away and avoid anything that takes your eyes or attention off the road.
• Allow extra travel time during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Expect increased traffic and delays.
• Watch carefully for children walking or biking near schools, neighborhoods, crosswalks and bus stops.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• Always wear your seat belt and make sure children are properly restrained.
For School Bus Safety:
• Motorists should be prepared to stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights and extends its stop arm. Never attempt to pass a stopped school bus when prohibited by law.
• Students should arrive at their bus stop early and wait in a safe location away from the roadway.
• Wait until the bus has completely stopped and the driver signals that it is safe before approaching.
• Never walk behind a school bus. When crossing in front of a bus, stay far enough ahead so the driver can clearly see you.
• If you drop something near or underneath the bus, tell the driver. Never attempt to retrieve it yourself.
For Students Walking or Biking to School:
• Use sidewalks whenever available and cross streets only at designated crosswalks or intersections.
• Stop and look left, right and left again before entering the roadway, even when you have the right of way.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to make sure they see you.
• Avoid looking at your phone or wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing surrounding traffic while crossing a street.
• Bicyclists should wear a properly fitted helmet and follow the rules of the road.
• When walking or biking in low-light conditions, wear bright or reflective clothing and use appropriate lights or reflective equipment to help motorists see you.
For Parents and Students:
• Parents should review the safest route to school or the bus stop with younger children and remind them never to enter the roadway unexpectedly.
• Students driving to school should buckle up, obey speed limits and keep their phones put away.
• Teen drivers should limit distractions from passengers and give themselves plenty of time to get to school without speeding or driving aggressively.
Whether you are behind the wheel, walking to class, riding a bicycle or waiting for the school bus, back to school means back to safety. Slow down. Stay alert. Put the phone away.
