Thousands of students will soon be heading back to school and Indiana State Police at Evansville want to remind all motorists the importance of slowing down and keeping a watchful eye for students.
Troopers also want to remind drivers they are required by law to stop and not pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing and the flashing stop arm is extended. Drivers are not required by law to stop for a school bus when they are approaching from the opposite direction and there is a concrete barrier or grassy median dividing the lanes. Drivers traveling on a multiple lane highway with no concrete barrier or grassy media are required to stop in all directions when a school bus stops to load or unload children.
Warrick County – Motorists that travel S.R. 261 between S.R. 66 and Old Plank Road are reminded that construction work and lane restrictions are still present. The speed limit on S.R. 261 in the construction zone is 35 mph. S.R. 261 along with S.R. 66, Oak Grove Road, Vann Road and Casey Road are all roadways that will see an increase number of vehicles in the morning and afternoon when school starts August 12th. Troopers anticipate an unusual high amount of traffic the first several days as parents choose to transport their younger children to school versus riding the school bus. In years past, the unusual heavy traffic has created traffic backups and delays in the area of S.R. 261 and Oak Grove Road near John H. Castle Elementary School and Castle North Middle School. Indiana State Police and Warrick County School Corporation personnel strongly encourage parents to allow their children to ride their designated school bus to school to help alleviate the high volume of traffic. Extra troopers will be present in the morning and afternoon to monitor traffic conditions and to ensure motorists are traveling safely.
Indiana State Police encourage the following safety tips:
• Slow down in school zones.
• Following other vehicles at a safe distance
• Don’t be a distracted driver. Stay off your cell phone.
• Expect brief delays around school areas.
