Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Tuesday, August 12, the familiar sight of the big yellow school bus will be seen on roads in Ripley County. That’s when Jac-Cen-Del students begin their 2008-2009 school year. They will be followed by more buses as Milan and South Ripley students join them on Wednesday, August 13, which is their first day back.

With the beginning of school in mind, Sgt. Noel Houze of the Indiana State Police, reminds motorists to be extra cautious. The early morning and afternoon commuters should be prepared for extra traffic on local roads not only including school buses, but the many high school students who are now driving to and from school, along with teachers and other staff members.

Sgt. Houze urges motorists to remember these laws:

• When approaching a stopped school bus from either direction when the bus has flashing red lights activated and its stop arm extended, motorists are required to STOP.

• Motorists who are on a highway that is divided by a barrier or unimproved median are required to stop only if they are traveling in the SAME direction as the school bus.

Other safety tips offered by police are:

- Parents should put everything children carry in a backpack or school bag so items are not dropped or lost along the way.

- Children should leave home on time so they can walk to the bus stop and arrive on time.

- Children should stand away from the edge of the road to protect them from traffic.

- Have your child make eye contact with the bus driver and stay at least 10 giant steps away from the bus so the bus driver can see the students as they enter or exit the bus. Students should wait until the bus driver signals them to proceed.

- Never pick up items dropped near the bus. The bus driver may not see children go back for dropped papers. Papers can be replaced. Do not go back to pick them up!

Police ask motorists to drive cautiously and be extra alert during the before and after school hours.