Beginning tomorrow (Wednesday), class is back in session for most students in the area, which means the areas surrounding schools will be much busier than usual around drop-off and pick-up times. Carroll Police Chief Brad Burke says it is always a bit hectic the first week or so of a new year, so parents should give themselves plenty of time when taking their kids to school.
Burke adds many students walk or ride their bikes to school. Drivers need to be on the lookout for kids running into the street or rolling through an intersection on their bicycles.
Fleets of school buses will also be hitting the road Wednesday morning. It has been a few months since drivers have seen buses on their routes, and Burke reminds the public of the steep penalties that come from passing a stopped bus.
Burke says a driver putting their whole focus on the road can make all the difference in avoiding an accident.
There will also be plenty of first-time drivers heading to school on their school permits. While it is an exciting time for these young adults as they gain a new level of independence, Burke says there is little room for error for those young adults.
If possible, Burke recommends the public avoid the areas around the schools during drop-off and pick-up times, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
