School is starting soon - Pay attention while driving
What do you think?
Area schools will be starting classes soon.
Newstalk KZRG asked Joplin Police Captain Austin Wolf what drivers and students should expect.
“School is getting ready to start back up for Joplin and our surrounding area. And whenever we talk about back to school traffic, we really focus on two different aspects of back to school traffic. One being the drivers and anybody out there operating a vehicle. And the other are walkers that are going to be walking to school. As far as drivers go, start paying attention and get familiar with the local school zones. School zones will be very much active starting the 24th for the Joplin and surrounding area for the most part. And speed gets reduced during specific times in these school zones. So as drivers are out driving around right now prior to school starting, just get familiar with where the school zones are at during your morning and afternoon commutes.”
Captain Wolf then told Newstalk KZRG, get ready for traffic congestion:
“And for our drivers out there, anticipate heavier traffic in the mornings and the afternoons. We're already starting to see an uptick in traffic in the mornings and the afternoons due to administrators and teachers reporting back to school prior to the students. But when school starts on the 24th for Joplin, there will be an increase in traffic in the mornings and the afternoon. So allow more time for traveling. That's especially important for those that have to report to work on time.”
What about those walking to school Captain Wolf?
“Additionally, be mindful of pedestrians that are going to be in the roadways. There's going to be a lot more pedestrian traffic in the roadways and just allow for some extra time, especially in residential neighborhoods. Watch speeds and just anticipate the unexpected with people that could be out in the roadways.”
According to Wolf:
“The other aspect to back to school traffic are the walkers that are going to be walking to and from bus stops to and from the schools. And when we talk about walking to school, we really encourage parents that are parents of first time walkers to school, walk the routes prior to school, know what route that the child's going to take, familiarize them with the routes that they're going to be taking, and give them some advice on how to cross roads. Go to marked intersections and ensure that they understand to make sure that drivers see them. Don't just assume that drivers see them. Make sure that they're making eye contact with drivers prior to crossing the streets or at marked intersections.”
Teaching kids about walking to school is really important according to Captain Wolf:
“Whenever we're teaching our kids how to walk to school and the routes, show them an alternative route. Because sometimes roads get closed or areas get closed for unexpected reasons. And so if it's a first time walker especially and they're not really familiar with the area, give them an opportunity to walk an alternate route to school and that way they can get home safely and it's not the first time. If a road closure were to occur,”
Captain Wolf went on to say that speed limits in school zones will be enforced.
When it comes to back to school car accidents, federal data does not show a massive overall spike in total traffic wrecks when school starts, but traffic risks and local congestion shift heavily. Accidents, near misses, and pedestrian dangers concentrate sharply during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup windows.
Common Risk Factors
Heavy Congestion: Sudden stops and backups happen near schools and major intersections.
School Buses: Frequent stops and slower speeds catch distracted drivers off guard.
Pedestrians and Cyclists: Children walking, biking, or using e-scooters increase vulnerability in crosswalks.
Teen Drivers: Inexperienced young drivers face high-risk conditions during after-school hours.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Slow Down: Obey lower speed limits strictly in active school zones.
Stop for Buses: Never pass a school bus with flashing red lights and extended stop arms.
Eliminate Distractions: Put phones away and watch closely for children darting from between parked cars
