Watch For Students, School Starts Soon

The Missouri Highway Patrol reminds drivers that school will be starting soon.Schools buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorist on the road and affect the morning and afternoon traffic, so everyone needs to be extra careful!

It will be a big change for young people after the summer. Expect this additional traffic and prepare by following extra time to reach your destination. Afternoons can be very dangerous. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers under the age of 21 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.,when school typically lets out. And remember,many of these drivers are inexperienced. Driving is a full time job. Using a cell phone.texting or adjusting the radio can be a distraction that leads to a traffic crash.

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Press release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that schools throughout the state are starting their 2015-2016 school year. It will be a big change for these young people after the summer break of fun in the sun, sleeping in, going to camp, or summer employment. Instead, young people will be walking, biking, and driving to school, which brings a change in traffic patterns. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. School buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.

Afternoons can be especially dangerous. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2014 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Drivers need to be aware of the increased traffic during this time—not just in areas around school, but all around town. Remember: Many of these drivers are inexperienced. 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.
Missouri law also 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, be alert. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
In 2014, four people were killed and 374 people were injured in school bus crashes. Missouri experienced 936 traffic crashes involving school buses last year. It’s important for drivers to pay attention, especially in areas where schoolchildren are traveling to and from Missouri's schools. 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. Let’s help Missouri students return to school safely.

Approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the traffic crash. The Patrol urges motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Join us in supporting the Drive To Zero Highway Deaths. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!