BEDFORD – The summer break is nearing its end for thousands of students across Southern Indiana, with classrooms set to welcome pupils back next week. As students prepare to return, motorists are reminded to be especially vigilant for increased pedestrian and bus traffic.
Local School Start Dates:
- Bedford North Lawrence Community Schools: Wednesday, August 6th
- Mitchell Community Schools: Tuesday, August 5th
Daviess County Schools:
- Washington Community Schools: Wednesday, August 6th
- Washington Catholic Schools: Wednesday, August 6th
- North Daviess School Corporation: Tuesday, August 5th
- Barr-Reeve School Corporation: Wednesday, August 6th
Martin County Schools:
- Loogootee Community School Corporation: Wednesday, August 6th
- Shoals Community Schools: Wednesday, August 6th
Greene County Schools:
- Eastern Greene Schools: Tuesday, August 5th
- Bloomfield Schools: Wednesday, August 6th
- Linton-Stockton Schools: Monday, August 11th
- MSD of Shakamak Schools: Tuesday, August 5th
- White River Valley School District: Thursday, August 7th
School Bus Safety: What Drivers Need to Know
With school buses soon back on their routes, the Indiana Department of Education and local law enforcement are reiterating critical safety rules for drivers:
- Two-Lane Roads: If a school bus stops on a two-lane road with its red flashing lights activated and stop arm extended, all motorists traveling in both directions must stop.
- Multi-Lane Roadways (No Barrier): On multi-lane roads without a physical barrier (like a grassy median or concrete divider) between lanes, when a school bus stops with its red flashing lights activated and stop arm extended, all motorists must stop, regardless of their direction of travel.
- Multi-Lane Roadways (With Barrier): On multi-lane roadways that have a grassy median or concrete barrier separating the lanes of traffic, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop. Vehicles approaching from the opposite side of the barrier are not required to stop.
Authorities urge all drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions, and be prepared to stop suddenly when encountering school buses. The safety of students is paramount as they transition back to their academic routines.
