As a majority of Athens City Schools opened their doors for the start of the new school year on Wednesday, Aug. 7, Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell has asked all motorists to be more observant and cautious while driving around school zones.

“I urge motorists to obey all traffic laws and to expect delays around the school zones,” Pressnell stated in the release. “The Athens Police Department wants all students to have a safe return to school and a great school year.”

Pressnell said that officers will be patrolling the school zones to check for speeding and other violations. He also asked drivers to be aware of the following while operating their vehicles:

— Be aware of school buses and stop when their stop sign is out.

— Be cautious of children waiting at bus stops for pick up and drop off.

— Watch for students walking or riding bikes to and from school.

— Drive the posted school zone speed limit.

Athens High School’s freshman class will have a new drop-off/pick-up traffic plan, according to the release. Pressnell said those not familiar with the new plan should contact the school for more information.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency also put out a release on Monday, Aug. 5, asking all motorists to drive responsibly to ensure a safe school year in their new “Roadway to Success” campaign.

“We encourage everyone to take action by talking to your children about safety and set an example by practicing safe driving habits,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said in the release. “Plan for plenty of extra time to arrive at your workplace or destination. Even if you are not a parent dropping off your child at school, keep in mind that there is potential for more traffic on roadways with young drivers and congestion will grow around school zones. Be extra cautious for school buses, pedestrians and children walking or biking to school.”

Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, Colonel Jonathan Archer, reciprocated that same sentiment as he asked for more patience on the roadways.

“The safety of our students and young drivers is a paramount concern this time of year,” Archer said in the release. “With a lot of first-time drivers on the road heading to school, we urge all drivers to exercise patience and understanding. Please remember these new drivers are gaining experience and may make mistakes. To ensure safety for all, please remain alert, put away cell phones, and always wear your seatbelt.”

According to crash data for the State of Alabama in 2022, more than 56 percent of all traffic fatalities documented were not restrained by a seat belt during the time of the accident.

“One of the easiest and safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up,” Archer said. “We are losing way too many Alabamians of all ages in traffic crashes. We strongly encourage everyone to understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt, and learn what you can do to make sure you and your family are properly buckled up every time. Parents, please make time to talk with your teens before they get behind the wheel and make sure they understand that buckling up could save their lives.”

With a focus on newly licensed 16 and 17-year-old drivers, ALEA stressed the importance of responsible driving habits. These young drivers, as well as all motorists, were urged to remember the following five items:

1. Seat belts save lives. Always use your seat belt, and ensure that all passengers in your vehicle do the same.

2. Avoid such distractions as texting, eating or playing loud music while driving. Your full attention should be on the road at all times.

3. Adhere to speed limits, traffic signs and signals. Respect other drivers on the road and be patient and courteous. Additionally, never pass a vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians.

4. Remember Alabama’s Graduated Driver License Law (GDL) restricts 16-year-old drivers from having more than one non-family member in the vehicle when driving.

5. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving is not only illegal, but it is extremely dangerous.

ALEA has also urged all motorists to exercise caution and patience when driving through or near school zones and when sharing the road with school buses. It is crucial to adhere to the following guidelines for the safety of students:

— Maintain a safe distance: Always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and a school bus to allow for sudden stops and children crossing the road. Additionally, watch out for children on bicycles, and leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the cyclist when passing them.

— Stop for school buses: Obey all stop signs and flashing lights on school buses. Failure to stop for a school bus loading or unloading children is not only illegal, but it also endangers young lives.

— Be alert: Pay attention to school zones and obey speed limits. Children may be crossing the road or walking near school premises. Also watch for bikes coming down driveways or from behind vehicles parked on the street.

For more information and resources on school travel safety, visit ALEA’s official website at www.alea.gov.