With a new school year beginning for many mid-Missouri students this week, the Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be on the alert for increased traffic around schools, as well as bicyclists, pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles, such as buses.
Motorists are reminded to look out for buses dropping off and picking up students, and students walking and riding bicycles to and from schools or waiting at school bus stops. In addition, state law requires motorists to stop when a bus has its red warning lights flashing and stop sign extended.
Students walking to school should use sidewalks where available, cross streets only at intersections, look both ways before crossing the street, and focus on traffic.
As a routine practice, MoDOT staff will monitor traffic patterns and signals in school zones to ensure proper traffic flow.
“We typically spend more time in school zones when school starts up just to ensure there are no glitches,” said MoDOT’s Central District Traffic Engineer Trent Brooks. “That way we can hopefully avoid unnecessary issues.”
MoDOT crews have also performed routine maintenance activities in advance of the start of school to make sure state routes are clean, clear and safe. MoDOT crews mow and cut brush to make sure roadways and sidewalks are clear, repaint intersection markings where needed and sweep debris from highways and intersections.
As always, MoDOT suggests motorists check road conditions before they travel by visiting the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org or by calling MoDOT’s customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636). The toll-free telephone line is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
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