MONTGOMERY– The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is urging drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and watch for children as students return to classrooms statewide.

The new school year brings heavier morning and afternoon traffic. School buses are also making frequent stops, and more young pedestrians are traveling near roadways.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor asked drivers to remain patient and put their phones away.

“Those few extra minutes behind the wheel are a small price to pay when it comes to protecting Alabama’s children,” Taylor said.

Troopers will be visible around school zones and along heavily traveled routes during morning and afternoon hours. ALEA Department of Public Safety Director Col. Jonathan Archer encouraged motorists to leave earlier and remain focused behind the wheel.

Drivers Asked to Expect Heavier Traffic

ALEA advised drivers to obey posted speed limits, especially in school zones and residential areas. Motorists should allow additional travel time during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal.

Drivers should watch for children near schools, neighborhoods, crosswalks, and bus stops. They should also never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk.

The agency reminded all occupants to wear seat belts and ensure children are properly restrained.

School Bus Safety Remains a Priority

ALEA also emphasized school bus safety as routes resume across the state.

Motorists should prepare to stop when a bus activates its flashing red lights and extends its stop arm. Drivers should never pass a stopped school bus when prohibited by law.

Students should arrive at bus stops early and wait away from the roadway. They should approach only after the bus stops and the driver signals that it is safe.

Children should never walk behind a school bus. When crossing in front, they should remain far enough ahead for the driver to see them.

ALEA also advised students not to retrieve anything dropped near or underneath a bus. Instead, they should notify the driver.

Students and Parents Encouraged to Review Safety

Students walking to school should use sidewalks and cross only at designated crosswalks or intersections. Before entering the roadway, they should look left, right, and left again.

ALEA encouraged students to make eye contact with drivers before crossing. They should also avoid phones or headphones that could prevent them from noticing traffic.

Students riding bicycles should wear properly fitted helmets and follow traffic rules. Bright or reflective clothing can help motorists see pedestrians and bicyclists during low-light conditions.

Parents should review the safest route to school or the bus stop with younger children. Student drivers should buckle up, obey speed limits, and keep their phones put away.

Teen drivers should also limit passenger distractions and allow enough travel time to avoid speeding or aggressive driving.