Motorists, parents, students reminded to use caution as new school year begins

SIKESTON — With the summer wrapping up, local students are getting ready to return to class, some of who will do so for the very first time.

In preparation for the start of the new school year, which for Sikeston Public Schools is Tuesday, Aug. 22, Sgt. Tyler Rowe, school resource officer and public information officer for Sikeston Department of Public Safety, encouraged and reminded parents and other community members to talk with kids about safety. 

According to Rowe, the first week of every school year is typically the busiest because schools are still figuring out their policies and a lot of parents will send their children to school on the first day.

“Just be patient,” Rowe said. “Make sure you are watching the school zone and you’re not speeding through the school zone when there are parents trying to drop their kids off.”

In addition to making sure their kids are ready, Rowe advised parents to remember that every new school year brings with it some growing pains. 

“Have your kid prepared and let them know what to expect the first week of school — and how to prepare a safety plan if something were to happen,” he said.

When school is out, Rowe advised parents to remind their children not to take a ride home with a stranger and to be cautious.

“Make sure your kids know that they are going home with you or that they understand who is picking them up,” Rowe said. “Or that they know that they are taking the bus instead.”

Rowe continued by urging parents whose children ride the bus to give them information on safety precautions as well.

“And when they get off the bus, make sure your kids know that they are suppose to walk from one spot to this spot and to walk straight home,” Rowe said. 

In addition, Rowe advised parents of children who ride the bus to go on practice walks before school resumes so they will be prepared should something unusual occur at the bus stop and they need to know where to go or what to do.

Another important tip Rowe said he would give parents, in his opinion, is to exercise caution when posting back-to-school images on social media. 

“A lot of parents love to do the back-to boards with a picture of their child and post it on Facebook,” Rowe said. “That can actually create a safety issue with telling everybody all your child’s information.

Rowe continued:  “You’re telling everybody where your kid goes to school, what they look like, and what their favorite stuff is, so if there is a predator, they could come and try to lure that kid because they already know information about them.”

Rowe continued by saying it is dangerous to share basic information on social media about a child’s grade, teacher or institution.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also aware of the return to school and encouraged drivers be ready for the alteration in traffic patterns as students start a new school year.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2022, two people were killed and 361 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus.

When it comes to driving, the Patrol advised people to always be cautious, but particularly so when schools are in session near playgrounds, school zones, bike paths and crosswalks. 

When the weather is nice, drivers should expect an increase in bicycle and pedestrian traffic near schools. When schools are in session, drivers should also expect a change in traffic patterns. 

According to Missouri law, drivers must stop when approaching and following a school bus on a two-lane road if it is stopped and flashing warning signals while loading or unloading students. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it is crucial for drivers to remember the state law because it is possible for children to suddenly dart into the road without being aware of oncoming traffic.

Students who choose to walk to school should always be alert when crossing the street at intersections or designated crosswalks, never in the middle of traffic, the Patrol said. When sidewalks are available, parents should always encourage their kids to use them. If walking on the road is necessary, they should be reminded to stay close to the left edge and to step off when approaching traffic. It is important for students to remember not to run into the street in pursuit of a friend or to retrieve something.

The Patrol advised students riding bicycles to wear helmets and follow all traffic laws. When changing lanes, slowing down, or stopping, always ride as close to the right side of the road as is safe. Parents should make sure that their child’s bicycle is in good condition and is safe to ride, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Most young drivers (under the age of 21) involved in traffic accidents happen between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., around the time school lets out, according to the Patrol. Parents should encourage young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job and that using a cell phone to text or adjusting the radio can be distracting and lead to a traffic crash.

The American Red Cross urged parents to take precautions to ensure their children’s safety when they return to school.

The Red Cross’ Northeast Arkansas chapter’s interim executive director, David Gikeson urged parents of younger children to take extra precautions, especially if their children are starting school for the first time.

“They should make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult, and how to dial 911,” Gikeson said. 

Students who take the bus to school were advised by the American Red Cross to arrive at their bus stop early and wait for the bus away from the curb. Once the bus has completely stopped and the driver has given the go-ahead for them to board, only that particular bus should be boarded by the students. 

The Red Cross advised parents who want to drive their kids to school to always wear seatbelts, and younger kids should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits them properly. Children should ride in the backseat until they are at least 13 years old.