News Summary
As the new school year approaches, Coffee County Schools are urging drivers to be mindful of increased traffic and safety in school zones. Starting August 4, families returning to school will result in heightened congestion near educational facilities. Law enforcement will assist in directing traffic, though delays may still occur. The Coffee County School System emphasizes adherence to safety protocols around school buses, including stopping for red lights and being vigilant for students. Motorists are encouraged to plan routes in advance and be patient to ensure a safe transition back to school for all.
Coffee County – With the new school year set to commence on August 4, 2025, Coffee County Schools are urging motorists to prepare for heightened traffic and prioritize safety around school zones as school buses resume operations. The arrival of students will inevitably lead to increased congestion near educational institutions, and local authorities are advising drivers to expect potential delays as they navigate these areas.
In a bid to enhance safety, law enforcement officers will be present to direct traffic around school zones. However, their presence may not completely mitigate delays as families adjust to the new schedule. The Coffee County School System, working in conjunction with local authorities, emphasizes the importance of school bus safety and is reminding drivers of their responsibilities when encountering a school bus.
All drivers must stop for a school bus displaying red lights and an extended stop arm, with the sole exception being for vehicles on highways that have a median separating oncoming traffic. Vehicles approaching a bus from the same direction must halt when the bus is in the process of loading or unloading students. When a bus activates its flashing amber lights, it signals an imminent stop, prompting drivers to slow down and prepare to stop.
Safety protocols dictate that vehicles must remain stationary until all students have either boarded the bus in the morning or have safely moved 12 feet away from the roadway after school. Local officials provide several tips for motorists to enhance safety in school zones:
- Stay vigilant and patient near school bus stops.
- Watch for children walking to and from school bus stops.
- Cut down speed when yellow flashing lights are activated.
- Do not accelerate to pass a school bus.
- Remain stopped until the stop sign is retracted and the lights are deactivated.
- Avoid distractions, such as texting or using a phone, while driving.
- Be attentive to student behavior at bus stops and prepare to respond accordingly.
- Adhere to all traffic law regulations, especially adjusted speed limits in school zones.
- Do not overtake other vehicles in school zones or make U-turns at school crossings.
- Follow directions issued by school crossing guards.
- Only utilize authorized areas for dropping off or picking up children.
These precautions are especially significant as the return to school also means that more students will be traveling to and from school by foot or via bus. To promote a smooth and safe transition, the Coffee County School System cooperates closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities, contributing to the overall safety of the community during this bustling time.
The start of the school year is always a busy period for families and communities alike, and increased awareness can help prevent accidents and ensure that students return to school safely. Motorists in Coffee County are encouraged to plan their routes ahead of time, allowing for extra travel time and adopting a mindful approach driving in and around school areas.
As families prepare to navigate the changes that come with the new school year, cooperation, patience, and adherence to traffic laws will be key components in ensuring a safe experience for all involved.
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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
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