A new school year is almost upon which means additional traffic of school buses, student drivers, and parents before and after school.

“Drivers should be aware of an increase in traffic volume as students and school buses return to the roadway for the beginning of another school year,” said Greene County Sheriff George Dalllaire. “Drivers should also be aware the school zone speed limits will go back into effect so they will encounter slow traffic in the school zones during the morning and afternoon.”

The first day of school in Greene County is Aug. 5 at Eastern Greene. Bloomfield and Shakamak follow on Aug. 6, with classes starting at White River Valley on Aug. 7. Linton-Stockton is the last school corporation to start the school year on Aug. 12.

“We ask drivers to try and avoid distracted driving and always stay focused on the road, but it is even more important when school is in session as there could be a school bus around the next curve or hilltop,” Dallaire said. “Many of our buses already navigate narrow county roads and many times in the dark, or in adverse weather conditions so all drivers need to focus on their driving to keep everyone safe.”

Linton Police Chief Paul Clark said the biggest safety concern comes with school buses.

“Watch for school buses. Expect the school bus to be making a stop,” Clark said. “If the arm is out, do not pass it. Pay attention to the school bus arm and flashing lights.”

According to Dallaire, passing a school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop arm is considered reckless driving—a misdemeanor charge—under Indiana traffic law and could result in an arrest and jail time. The penalty is much more severe if there is damage, injury, or death resulting from the violation. If there is injury or death, it would result in a felony charge, according to Dalliare.

Dallaire encourages drivers to pay attention to their surroundings to avoid distractions.

“Distractions can come in many forms but are potentially very dangerous. It just takes a few seconds for a crash to happen. Our department works numerous crashes every year that are a direct result of the driver being distracted,” he said.

Clark reiterated eliminating distractions by reminding drivers to stay off their cell phones.

Clark encourages everyone to be patient during the transition to a new school year.

“Be patient, especially while everyone is learning new routines for the year. Allow extra time to get your kids dropped off,” he said. “Follow the school’s rules. The school has put a lot of thought process in planning these drop off routes and when people deviate from that, while it generally might be convenient for you, it is going to cause a problem for people who are trying to follow the routine, so use the school’s drop off and pick up procedures.”