The beginning of a new school year is a time of change, not only for students, but for motorists.
Many area schools begin classes next week.
And just as students will adapt to new classrooms and teachers, so motorists must adapt to new traffic patterns.
Changing patterns will include:
• More traffic, including more vehicles driven by younger, less-experienced drivers.
• Children walking and riding bikes to and from schools.
• Activation of school zones and the appearance of crossing guards.
• School buses making frequent stops along routes.
Accidents involving school buses are a particular area of concern, based on 2014 Missouri Highway Patrol statistics that show four people were killed and 374 people were injured in 936 school bus crashes.
According to the patrol: "Missouri law states that 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."
In addition to obeying the law, the patrol urges motorists to be patient and alert when buses are picking up or discharging students, who may be engaged with their peers and inattentive to traffic.
In addition, the patrol reminds drivers that most 2014 traffic crashes involving motorists younger than 21 occurred between 3-4 p.m., when school typically lets out.
The beginning of a new school year brings increased traffic volume and changing patterns.
The lesson for motorists is to avoid distractions and impatience, and be prepared for the unexpected.