The first day of school in Nevada and Northeast Vernon County schools is Aug. 22, and classes at Sheldon schools and St. Mary's School in Nevada start Aug. 20. Bronaugh students have already headed back to class.

In the midst of all the renewed activity, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that schools will begin soon, and young people will be on the move -- walking, biking, and driving to school. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. Traffic patterns will change as school buses and parents taking their children to school join other motorists on the road. Both additional vehicles and parents taking students to school before going to work will affect the morning and afternoon commute. Drivers should take this into account and prepare by allowing extra time to reach destinations.

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Afternoons can be especially dangerous, the patrol said. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2007 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 that 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.

All motorists need to remember state law regarding school buses.

Missouri law states 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.

"Last year, five people were killed and 631 were injured in school bus crashes. Missouri experienced 1,158 traffic crashes involving school buses," said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Patrol.

"Drivers must stay alert at all times, but especially in areas where schoolchildren are traveling to and from Missouri's schools."

Last year, 12 children ages 19 and under were killed and 465 children were injured in crashes involving pedestrians. In addition, 202 bicyclists ages 15 and under were injured in traffic crashes in 2007. It is important for parents to emphasize safety to their children. Teach them to pay attention to vehicles and their drivers. Make sure your child wears a helmet and knows the proper hand signals for bicyclists.

"By working together, communities can help our children travel to and from school safely," said Col. Keathley. "Our children are our future. Let's protect it."