WITH THE 2025-26 school year getting under way and students returning to campuses and classrooms, transportation will undoubtedly be impacted.

Back-to-school transportation affects not only students and parents, but also other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians using the roads.

“This time of year is particularly dangerous. Young, inexperienced drivers heading to high school, school buses, commuters, parents doing drop-offs, and pedestrians and bicyclists are all sharing the road,” said Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager, AAA. “While traffic patterns may change, the responsibility for keeping students safe does not. It’s important that all drivers, as well as students, remain alert and follow basic precautions for a safe return back to school.”

AAA advises all drivers to be mindful of changes in traffic in and around school zones.

School bus safety

School bus safety should be a top priority, with students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the motoring public all playing important roles in keeping children safe while on or around a school bus.

Hitchens says too often, motorists are in a hurry or driving distracted and drive around a school bus, despite the bus displaying a stop arm and flashing lights.

“These drivers don’t see it as a problem. But motorists need to follow the rules of the road, and that includes stopping for school buses. School bus stopping laws are in place to protect our children going to and from school. Ignoring them puts children in danger and could end in tragedy,” Hitchens adds.

AAA reminds that Ohio law requires motorists to stop when a school bus is stopped along a two-lane roadway, picking up or letting off passengers, with the stop arm and signal lights activated. Drivers should not proceed again until the bus is back in motion. The exception is when a motorist is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Not stopping for a school bus with flashers on and stop arm extended in Ohio can result in fines of up to $500, a court appearance and possible license suspension.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all 50 states have a law that makes it illegal to pass a school bus with its red flashing lights on and its stop-arm extended.

Drop-off/pick-up safety

With many parents dropping off and picking up their children at school, motorists can expect increased traffic congestion near schools. With cars entering and leaving parking lots and lining the streets, motorists are reminded that extra caution and reduced speeds are necessary in school zones. The start of the school year can be particularly dangerous, with new routines for parents and children.

AAA has the following reminders for parents intending to drive their children to school:

Follow school drop-off and pick-up procedures, and be mindful that these may have changed from the previous year.

Don’t double park. It blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.

Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.

Have children exit the vehicle on the “curb side” every time.

Slow down, eliminate distractions and watch for children.