Our Opinion: School begins; motorists urged to zone in on safety

News Tribune editorial

Monday, August 13, 2012

The beginning of a new school brings changes that extend far beyond classrooms.

Planning and anticipating the start of school has occupied families with school-aged children for several weeks.

For other people, however, signs that a new school year has begun will become evident this week as traffic patterns and volume change.

Area public and private schools resume classes this week. Helias Catholic High School juniors and seniors begin classes today; the Jefferson City Public Schools start Thursday.

The Jefferson City Police Department reminds motorists it will be enforcing restrictions in school zones in connection with the return to classes.

Officers will be monitoring school zones to ensure motorists obey speed limits, comply with safety regulations and drive prudently.

Local police are able to increase manpower for the effort using funding provided by the Highway Safety Division of the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The start of a new school year adds a new dimension to familiar roadways.

The differences include: Additional vehicle traffic, including younger, inexperienced drivers; school buses picking up and discharging students; crossing guards stopping traffic; and youngsters bicycling and walking to and from school.

Regulations regarding school buses and school zones are well-documented.

The common denominator is for motorists to be observant, cautious and patient.

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