Escambia County students return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and with that will come increased traffic in school zones, children walking/biking to school, and additional time needed for your daily commute. Drivers can expect to encounter school traffic between the hours of 5:30-9:30 a.m. and 1:30-5:30 p.m. A start/release schedule for the district is attached.
Escambia County reminds residents to exercise caution as 300 school buses and approximately 24,000 students get back on the road. While safety in school zones is paramount, drivers are reminded to be careful around bus stops as well, with bus drivers and students getting acclimated to new routes that may include new stop locations. Drivers can use the Bus Stop Locator Tool to view stops in their area.
Buses will make stops on the road, so it's important for drivers to prepare to stop when they see the flashing amber school bus lights. The lights indicate the bus is stopping and will turn red in the immediate future. Opposing traffic must observe school buses making bus stops as well and ensure they comply with the law in stopping on undivided roadways in BOTH directions while a bus has its bus stop signals deployed. For more safety tips and rules for passing school buses, visit the following links:
For more information, visit the Escambia County School District Transportation Department's website at www.escambiayellow.com and follow them on Facebook.
Helpful Hints from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office:
- More cars will be on the road – leave the house earlier than normal to give yourself extra time, and be a patient driver!
- Watch for children walking to and from school – be extra cautious as you approach, sometimes kids get distracted, or while playing with friends may veer onto the roadways.
- School crossing guards will be out in force – please pay attention to them!
- School buses have precious cargo on board – obey the school bus right-of-way laws!
- Obey school zone speed limits – law enforcement will be patrolling these areas!
