August 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL BASICS

Last month we focused on sharing the roads with school buses. Now that the first day hubbub has calmed, let’s take a look at several other ways drivers can improve safety. School is back in session, which means traffic congestion is increasing around schools, and the caution lights are flashing once again. You’re probably already doing the most important things: slowing down and taking extra caution when driving through school zones.



Here are a few more tips to keep in mind to ensure a safe school year. 

Watch out for School Zones

• Sometimes school zones have flashing lights, and sometimes they don’t. Regardless, pay attention to lowered speed limits.
• Be alert in the drop-off lines, especially for people who might not be paying attention to the school zone.
• Carpool if you can. After all, fewer cars mean a safer area for children.

Think of Young Pedestrians

• Avoid blocking crosswalks when stopped, as pedestrians might walk into traffic to get around your car.
• Obey crossing guards at all times.
• Yield to pedestrians in school zones.
• Be cautious around schools, as there will likely be more young pedestrians and bicyclists there than elsewhere.

Preparedness Begins at Home

• If you have children, remind them about road safety.
• Encourage children to pay attention when walking, rather than being distracted on their phones or with their friends. When driving, keep extra watch for distracted pedestrians.
• Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street and to obey crossing guards.

Give yourself extra time, especially if you’ll be driving near a school zone. You could encounter student drivers who are traveling a little slower, or there could simply be traffic and school buses that delay you. Either way, please be patient and cautious to ensure your safety and that of the children.

Road safety, much like football, basketball, and soccer, is a team effort. If we all work together, this will be another safe school year for the young people in our communities.

Project Updates

There are still multiple active work zones in our area. Please be cautious as you drive on Donaldson Highway and Mineola Pike, as well as KY 536 from KY 1303 to Williamswoods Drive and from US 25 to KY 1303. Crews are also completing some final work on I-275 from Mineola to Hebron. Watch our website for up-to-date traffic impacts.