News Summary
As the new school year approaches, Coffee County authorities are advising drivers to anticipate increased traffic in school zones and prioritize bus safety. With the return of school buses, motorists are urged to follow traffic laws and remain vigilant. Essential tips include obeying bus signals, being aware of children near bus stops, and exercising patience during peak traffic times. Educational campaigns will reinforce these safety rules to ensure a safe environment for students returning to school.
Coffee County Warns Drivers to Expect Increased Traffic and Prioritize Bus Safety as School Resumes
COFFEE COUNTY — The upcoming school year for Coffee County Schools officially begins on August 4, 2025. As classes resume, local authorities are alerting drivers to expect significant traffic in school zones and are emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws designed to protect students and school transportation operations.
Increased Traffic in School Zones Expected
With the start of the new academic year, school buses will be back on the roads, leading to a marked increase in traffic around schools. Motorists are advised to plan ahead for potential delays, especially during peak pickup and drop-off times. Traffic officers will be on duty to help manage the flow and direct vehicles near school crossings, but drivers should still anticipate some congestion and exercise patience.
School Bus Operations and Safety Rules
School buses will be operating as usual starting tomorrow, and safety remains a top priority for the Coffee County School System and local law enforcement agencies. All drivers are legally required to stop when approaching a school bus that has its red flashing lights flashing and the stop arm extended. This rule applies to vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus, with the exception of highways divided by medians where vehicles are not required to stop.
When a bus activates its flashing amber lights, it indicates that it is preparing to stop to load or unload students. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. Once the bus has fully stopped, and children are boarding or deboarding, vehicles must remain halted until the bus’s stop sign is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
Important Tips for Drivers
- Stay alert and patient, especially when approaching school bus stops.
- Watch for children walking to and from designated bus stops.
- Reduce speed when flashing yellow lights appear on a school bus.
- Never try to rush past a stopped bus; wait until it resumes motion and signals are turned off.
- Refrain from distractions, such as texting or using phones while driving near school zones.
- Obey all traffic laws, including reduced speed limits in school zones.
- Avoid passing other vehicles or making U-turns at crossing points in school areas.
- Follow directions from crossing guards or school personnel managing traffic at crossings.
- When dropping off or picking up children, park only in authorized zones and avoid blocking driveways or access points.
Additional Safety Recommendations
Drivers should remain vigilant and ready to respond to children entering or leaving bus stops. Observing student actions and maintaining a safe distance from school buses are essential to avoiding accidents. It is critical to follow all posted signage and instructions from law enforcement or crossing personnel to ensure the safety of students and other pedestrians in the area.
Background on Traffic Rules and School Bus Laws
The traffic laws governing school buses are designed to protect young students and ensure smooth transportation operations. These laws mandate stopping when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, regardless of the direction of travel, with specific exceptions for divided highways. It is the responsibility of all drivers to comply with these regulations, especially during the busy start of the school year when traffic volume in and around school zones is heightened.
By adhering to these safety rules and tips, drivers can contribute to a secure environment for students as they begin their academic year. Patience and caution are especially important during this transitional period to prevent accidents and ensure that all children arrive at school safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shawnee Closes Monticello Road for Emergency Repairs
Construction Begins on Oceanside Transit Center Pedestrian Crossing Extension
Hattiesburg Construction Projects to Enhance Traffic Flow
Watt Avenue Street Improvements Underway to Enhance Safety
Worker Dies Following Trench Collapse During Construction
Construction Worker Dies After Falling into Trench in Goodyear
Recovery Efforts Underway for Trapped Construction Worker
Construction Worker Killed by Truck on Atlantic City Expressway
Downtown Silver Spring Residents Frustrated by Purple Line Construction
Rhode Island’s Infrastructure Overhaul Set to Transform Roads
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
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
