BEDFORD — Summer break is officially coming to a close for thousands of students across Lawrence County. Both North Lawrence Community Schools (NLCS) and Mitchell Community Schools (MCS) are set to begin the 2026–2027 academic year on Wednesday, August 5.
With school buses returning to local roads and student foot traffic increasing near neighborhood stops, local and state law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to stay vigilant, slow down, and strictly follow Indiana school bus safety laws.
Increased Traffic and School Zone Caution
Beginning Wednesday morning, drivers should expect increased congestion, particularly during morning pickup and afternoon dismissal hours,” said Chief Terry Moore. Police advise motorists to budget extra commute time and double their awareness in residential areas and school zones.
- Watch for Pedestrians: Children may be walking along roads without sidewalks or congregating near bus stops. Drivers should be particularly alert for students who may unexpectedly dart into the street to catch a bus.
- Reduce Speed: Speed limits drop significantly in designated school zones while lights are flashing or children are present. Law enforcement officers will be monitoring these areas closely.
Indiana School Bus Stop-Arm Laws: What Drivers Need to Know
Under Indiana law, passing a stopped school bus with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing is a dangerous traffic violation that carries heavy legal penalties, said Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day.
Law enforcement officers emphasize the following regulations for all motorists:
| Highway Type | Direction of Travel | Action Required |
| Two-Lane Roads | Both directions | MUST STOP for flashing red lights & extended stop arm. |
| Multi-Lane Highways (Undivided) | Both directions | MUST STOP for flashing red lights & extended stop arm. |
| Divided Highways (separated by concrete barrier, cable, or grassy median) | Same direction as bus | MUST STOP. |
| Divided Highways (separated by concrete barrier, cable, or grassy median) | Opposite direction of bus | May proceed with caution. |
Crucial Warning: Flashing yellow lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop. Drivers should slow down immediately rather than speeding up to pass before the stop arm extends. Most modern school buses are equipped with stop-arm cameras, allowing law enforcement to issue citations even if an officer is not present at the scene.
Essential Safety Tips for Parents and Students
Law enforcement agencies and school administrators encourage parents to review bus safety basics with their children before Wednesday morning:
- Arrive Early: Have children at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
- Stand Clear: Wait at least 6 feet (3 giant steps) away from the curb or roadway while waiting for the bus to arrive.
- Never Walk Behind the Bus: Always cross at least 10 feet (5 giant steps) in front of the bus so the driver can see you. Make eye contact with the driver before stepping into the street.
- Dropped Items: If a child drops something near a bus, they should never try to pick it up themselves. Tell the bus driver immediately, as children picking up items are often hidden from the driver’s line of sight.
As students in North Lawrence and Mitchell head back to class, local officers ask all drivers to keep their guards up and prioritize student safety to ensure a smooth, crash-free start to the school year.
