Coffee County Schools Begin New Academic Year

News Summary

As the new school year commences for Coffee County Schools, heightened traffic and school bus activity are anticipated in local school zones. Parents and motorists are urged to exercise caution and plan for delays, especially during the busy morning and afternoon hours. Compliance with school bus safety regulations is emphasized, reminding drivers to stop for buses with flashing lights. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a safe and smooth return to classes for students and the community.

Coffee County, Alabama

The start of the new school year for Coffee County Schools is scheduled for August 4, 2025, and parents, students, and local residents should be prepared for increased traffic in school zones beginning tomorrow. With the resumption of classes, school buses will be operational, leading to heightened activity on roads near schools, and motorists are urged to exercise extra caution during this busy period.

Expect Increased Traffic and Delays Near Schools

As school buses begin their routes, motorists will encounter more vehicles in school zones. Although police officers and traffic personnel will be present to direct traffic, officials emphasize that this support may not fully eliminate potential delays. Drivers are advised to plan for additional travel time, especially during early morning and afternoon hours when students are expected to be arriving or leaving school.

School Bus Safety Regulations and Key Rules

Ensuring the safety of students boarding and disembarking from buses remains a top priority for both the Coffee County School System and local law enforcement agencies. All drivers are legally required to stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. This applies whether the vehicle is traveling in the same or opposite direction in most cases, except on divided highways separated by medians, where different rules govern.

Additionally, vehicles traveling in the same direction as a school bus must stop whenever it is loading or unloading students. When a bus activates its flashing amber lights, it indicates that a stop is imminent, and drivers should reduce their speed and prepare to halt. Drivers must wait until the bus’s stop sign is retracted and the red lights are turned off before proceeding.

Important Tips for Motorists

• Stay alert and patient when approaching school bus stops or areas with children walking to and from buses.
• Slow down when the bus activates yellow flashing lights, signaling that it is preparing to stop.
• Do not attempt to pass a school bus that has its stop arm extended or red lights flashing.
• Remain stopped until the bus resumes motion, the stop sign is retracted, and the lights are turned off.
• Avoid distractions such as texting or using phones while driving in school zones.
• Observe and follow the directions of school crossing guards at designated crossings.
• Drive or park only in authorized areas when dropping off or picking up children to ensure safety and order.
• Lower speeds in school zones to prevent accidents and improve safety for students.
• Do not make U-turns or pass other vehicles at school crossings unless explicitly permitted.

Additional Safety Considerations

Parents and guardians are encouraged to remind children about safety practices around school zones and bus stops. Children should be instructed to arrive at bus stops early to avoid rushing and to watch for vehicles when boarding or leaving buses. Drivers should remain vigilant for children and pedestrians at all times, especially during the hours when students are normally arriving at or departing from school.

Summary of Laws and Enforcement

State and local laws mandate strict compliance regarding school bus safety. Vehicles failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and extended stop arm can face fines and other penalties. Law enforcement agencies will actively enforce these rules to uphold safety as the new school year begins.

As Coffee County prepares to welcome students back for the academic year, everyone is urged to prioritize safety and patience in school zones. By adhering to traffic laws and watching out for children, drivers can contribute to a secure and smooth transition into another successful school year.

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Additional Resources

• Douglas Now
• Wikipedia: School Bus
• WTVY
• Google Search: Coffee County Schools
• WGRV
• Google Scholar: School Traffic Safety
• Tullahoma News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Regulations
• WTVY
• Google News: Coffee County Bus Driver Shortage