Hamilton Co. officials remind motorists, students to be alert in school zones

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – If you live in Hamilton County, be ready for more buses on the roads beginning Tuesday.

Carmel Clay Schools and Hamilton Heights head back Tuesday. Hamilton Southeastern and Sheridan begin Wednesday. Westfield Washington School District will start Thursday.

In Boone County, the Zionsville School district will head back Tuesday as well.

The Carmel Fire Department tweeted Monday they’ll be out to remind drivers to slow down while kids are out.

The Westfield Police Department also released a list of back-to-school safety tips.

Officials say now is a good time to have a conversation with both young children using the bus or walking or bike riding to school, as well as those teens driving themselves.

The National Safety Council says teen crashes can spike in September as school gets underway.

Officials also say now is also the time for a reminder to stay alert in school zones.

A research report conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide found one in six drivers in a school zone was driving distracted: whether that’s using a cell phone, eating or even playing with the radio.

Reminders for children and parents waiting for the bus: ask your child to stand at least six feet or three giant steps from the road when they’re waiting for the bus.

Experts say the area 10 feet around a school bus is where kids are in the most danger of being hit.

Also – remind your kids – if they drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up. Tell the bus driver instead.

And, never walk behind the bus.

As far as drivers, remember it’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.

If there’s a physical barrier, only drivers heading in the same direction as the bus need to stop.

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