Help keep students safe as they head back to school

It may only be mid-August, but it’s time to say farewell to summer as students throughout the region prepare to head back to school.

Historically, traffic on the first few days of school is fairly congested with an influx of school buses and parent vehicles on neighborhood roads.

This year will be no exception. Many area school corporations have changed or eliminated bus routes due to state-mandated tax caps that limit the amount of money districts can raise for transportation. This means completely new transportation routines are being introduced throughout the Fort Wayne area, and it’s very likely we’ll see an increase in parent vehicles, day care vans and students walkers.

Here, we’ve compiled a few simple tips that are sure to help as everyone adjusts to their new morning and afternoon routines:

• Leave home a few minutes early. It’s hard to know exactly where traffic hiccups may occur, and a little extra time may put you at ease during your commute.
• Slow down and pay attention, especially near bus stops and school crossing zones. Remember: little ones are prone to dash in a flash.
• If you approach a stopped school bus, be sure to come to a complete stop, even if you are driving in the opposite direction. Watch for children as they board or exit the bus.