ALEA urges safety as new school year begins
As students, teachers and families across the state prepare for a new school year, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wants you to remember that “back to school” also means back to safety near school zones.
Many drivers have gotten into the routine of not having to face heavier school traffic the way to work or in the afternoons. But now that the summer break is ending, the traffic and the children are back.
ALEA wants you to slow down and keep distractions away so you can keep an eye out for frequent school bus stops, children crossing the street or riding their bikes to school.
ALEA stresses that no drivers are to pass a school bus when the stop arm is extended and the lights are flashing.
“Go ahead and slow down because if you don’t, you’re going to get stopped,” Capt. Jeremy Burkett of ALEA said. “The reality is we’re not really issuing warnings. If you see the flashing light, if you see the school zone and you still choose to speed in a school zone, when we do stop you we’re going to be issuing you a citation.”
He urges parents to discuss safety with their children, whether they are walking, biking or taking the bus to school.
