Be aware of increased traffic with school starting

Summer vacation has again come to its end, and with the resuming of classes around town, it’s important for drivers to be aware of the increased foot traffic, particularly around the school buildings. Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of the other drivers as well, keeping in mind each new school year brings with it a batch of newly licensed high school drivers.

Among the more common vehicles taking to the streets will be the school buses. These student transports are equipped with amber and red lights to notify drivers when they’re stopping, as well as an extendable arm with a stop sign. It’s important to remember this stop sign applies to both sides of the street. For instance, if a southbound bus has its arm extended, that sign is for both southbound and northbound traffic. Drivers from both directions must stop until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer active.

Keep in mind the lights do not turn on immediately when a bus stops, and amber lights will flash before the red. Those who fail to stop when a bus has its arm extended and red lights flashing could face fines of $400 or more, and those with two violations within a year could be fined up to $1,000. Buses are also equipped with cameras, and offenders can always be prosecuted later.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Regina Schulmeister noted the school district now has access to a patrol car with fewer markings, which will be used to follow the buses and provide another level of safety. She noted Highway Patrol troopers were previously using their own vehicles to follow, but they are too easily recognized.

The buses are equipped with cameras, Schulmeister said, and offending drivers can always be prosecuted later. As an added measure, troopers will also be following buses. Schulmeister said this not only helps to ensure drivers are not overtaking the buses, but it’s very satisfying to see family members — even their pets — waiting for schoolchildren when they return home.

Signs around town designating school zones have amber flashing lights as well, and drivers need to be aware of the decreased speed limit in those areas. While the zones are active beyond the regular school day, keep in mind there are plenty of extracurricular activities happening at those times as well.

Drivers should also be aware of kids who might dart into the street. Those who see toys or animals that might be pets in the street should keep in mind there could easily be a child chasing after them. Fines and jail time are associated with hitting someone with a vehicle, but there could also be civil liability cases as a result, which can cause thousands of dollars.

If drivers take the time to be aware of the increased traffic — foot and vehicle — on the roads, it will go one step further in making this school year safe and successful for everyone.