Patrol urges drivers to watch for children, other drivers and buses as new school year begins

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Nevada Daily Mail

School starts in Nevada Aug. 17, and in several districts throughout the state this week.

That means school buses and school children will be on the move once again -- walking, biking, and driving to school.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding Missouri citizens that it is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. According to a press release from the patrol, afternoons can be especially dangerous. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2005 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out.

The patrol said that drivers need to be aware of the increased traffic during this time -- not just in areas around school, but all around town.

Many of these drivers are inexperienced.

School buses will also play a role in increasing traffic before and after school. 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, Missouri experienced 1,240 traffic crashes involving school buses. In those crashes four people were killed and 796 injured," said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the patrol. "Drivers, our children's safety is on your shoulders. Stay alert at all times, but especially in areas where school children are traveling to and from Missouri's schools."

The patrol's statistics reveal that last year, 18 children ages 19 and younger were killed and 501 children were injured in crashes involving pedestrians. In addition, four bicyclists ages 15 and under were killed and 249 injured in traffic crashes in 2005.

It is important for parents to emphasize safety to their children. Teach them to pay attention to vehicles and their drivers.

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