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School is now in session

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Drive carefully in school zones and around school buses

Schools in Rock County resumed classes Tuesday, and that means student pedestrians will be crossing streets and driveways, and school buses will be present for pickups and drop-offs.
What that means for the rest of us, especially the motoring public, is that we need to be hyper-vigilant in school zones and in neighborhoods where student pedestrians and buses are present.
Further complicating school roadway safety is the fact that pandemic-related class schedules will require more frequent coming and going — and more reasons to drive carefully all the time.
In Luverne, for example, elementary students attend classes in the building every day, but middle-high school students attend school every other day, half the student body at a time, at least through Sept. 18.
Middle-high school students attend classes from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., which means an additional bus route. Elementary school releases at 3 p.m. for a regular after-school route. (See the front page story.)
Another factor to consider is that bus drivers are under particular pressure this school year because the Luverne district is short on regular drivers.
The district may rely on existing drivers to complete an extra route to keep ridership in vehicles at half capacity, and drivers will have to sanitize seats and surfaces more frequently.
Students, bus drivers, teachers and student motorists are all in a less than normal school year start, and everyone has a lot on their minds and extra reasons to be distracted to and from school.
We hope they reach their destinations safely every day, no matter how many times a day or what the odd schedules may be.
And we hope the rest of our motoring public does our part to slow down and be alert for the extra school traffic and pedestrians.
 
Stop for school buses: It's the law
Minnesota state law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended.
Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine.
Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child. 
 
Motorists
Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.
Motorists should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.
The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.
 
Students 
When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.
Wait for the bus driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.
When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding.  

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