ALEA Warns Alabama Drivers as Students Head Back to School

School buses are back on the road, students are walking to bus stops and morning traffic is getting heavier across Alabama.

That means drivers may want to give themselves a few extra minutes before heading out the door.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is reminding motorists that the beginning of the school year brings increased traffic, frequent school bus stops, young pedestrians and reduced speed limits around school zones.

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“As a parent, I understand the excitement and the concern that come with sending our children back to school each year,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We all want to know they will arrive safely and make it back home at the end of the day.”

Taylor is asking drivers to be patient, slow down and, perhaps most importantly, put their phones away.

ALEA Troopers will also have an increased presence around school zones and heavily traveled routes during busy morning and afternoon hours.

Drivers should be prepared to stop when school buses activate flashing red lights and extend their stop arms and should never illegally pass a stopped school bus.

Motorists are also encouraged to pay close attention around crosswalks, neighborhoods and bus stops where children may be walking or riding bicycles.

Parents should review safe routes to school and bus stops with younger children. Teenagers driving themselves to school are being reminded to wear seat belts, obey speed limits and avoid distractions from phones and passengers.

Students walking or biking should use sidewalks and designated crosswalks when available and avoid phones or headphones that could prevent them from noticing approaching traffic.

ALEA's message as Alabama settles back into the school-year routine is simple: Slow down, stay alert and put the phone away.