School zone safety tips
For Drivers
• Slow down: Obey posted speed limits in school zones — they’re lower for a reason.
• Yield to pedestrians: Always stop for children in crosswalks and never block them.
• Stay off your phone: Distractions can be deadly. Keep your eyes on the road.
• Watch for buses: Stop when buses extend their stop arms — it’s the law.
• Be patient in drop-off zones: Follow school procedures and avoid double parking.
For Parents & Guardians
• Use designated drop-off areas: Don’t let kids exit the car in traffic lanes.
• Arrive early: Rushing increases risk — give yourself extra time.
• Teach kids safety rules: Practice crossing streets, looking both ways, and using crosswalks.
For Students
• Stick to sidewalks: Walk, don’t run, and stay on designated paths.
• Look both ways: Even if the light is green, check for turning cars.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Know the rules — and respect them
• Always obey speed limits, especially in school zones.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights—it’s illegal and dangerous.
Eliminate distractions
• Put your phone away or use “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving.
• Avoid loud music, eating, or too many passengers — these all reduce focus.
• Stay mentally present; driving demands full attention.
Practice Defensive Driving
• Expect the unexpected — kids may dart into the street or cross without looking.
• Keep a safe following distance, especially near buses and in heavy traffic.
• Scan ahead and use mirrors frequently to stay aware of your surroundings.
Be extra cautious near schools
• Slow down when approaching school zones, even if you don’t see kids.
• Watch for crossing guards, flashing lights, and signs indicating reduced speed.
• Be patient during drop-off and pick-up times — rushing increases risk.
As students return to school, community awareness and responsible driving are paramount. By staying vigilant and following traffic laws, we can ensure a safe environment for all.
SOURCES: KDOT, AAA, NHTSA
BY KEITH LIPPOLDT
klippoldt@gbtribune.com
The 2025-26 school year kicks off in Great Bend with students returning to classrooms on August 14 and 15.
Coming off a summer break where there has been less foot and vehicle traffic around schools, drivers are urged to stay alert and prioritize safety on the roads. With summer vacation officially over, it’s time for drivers to refocus their attention on safety — especially in and around school zones.
The return of school routines brings busy crosswalks and active drop-off lanes, making driver awareness a matter of safety, not just courtesy. It has been since May that drivers have had to worry about school zones. Now that school will be back in session, school zones are particularly vulnerable areas. Drivers should reduce speed and eliminate distractions, especially cell phones, when approaching these zones. It’s crucial to obey posted speed limits and be prepared to stop for crossing guards and pedestrians. And school kids don’t always cross the street at cross walks. Be extra careful when driving with cars parked along the street as kids may dart out in front of you unexpectedly. Texting, speeding, or failing to yield at crosswalks can have devastating consequences.
School zones are active not just during morning and afternoon bell times, but often throughout the day for extracurriculars and early dismissals. Drivers should also be alert for flashing lights on school buses and know that passing a stopped bus is illegal and dangerous. Always stop when the bus’s red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended, regardless of the direction you’re coming from.
For parents dropping off or picking up children, use designated areas to avoid obstructing traffic or endangering pedestrians. Never double park or stop in crosswalks. Encourage children to use sidewalks and crosswalks, and teach them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
Another factor to keep in mind is there will be a whole new crop of first-time teen drivers. Parents of these drivers should reinforce safe driving habits, including following speed limits, avoiding distractions, and maintaining safe following distances. Driving is a skill that improves with time. AAA Kansas also advises you should encourage your teens to drive regularly in varied conditions (daylight, rain, light traffic) and to reflect on each experience. Ride with them in these situations to build their confidence.
“The Great Bend Police Department would just remind all motorists to stay alert and exercise extra caution on the roads,” Great Bend Chief of Police Steve Haulmark said. “With students walking, biking, and being dropped off at schools throughout our community, it is essential for everyone to prioritize safety during this busy time. Please take your time, slow down and pay attention to school speed limits. Young people may not be as aware of their surroundings as they should be. Also, we will have new and inexperienced drivers on the road who may be excited to get to school and see their friends so please watch for these folks and give them some grace.
“The GBPD would also ask parents to have a conversation about these topics with their children, particularly with new drivers and remind them to focus on the rules of the road and not on their cell phones.”
Statewide, Kansas recorded nearly 2,300 traffic crashes involving school buses between 2013 and 2022, resulting in six fatalities and 364 injuries, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Also, AAA reported that nearly 20% of child fatalities under age 15 are pedestrian-related. The most dangerous window is 3-4 p.m., coinciding with school dismissal. The nearly 2,300 incidents statewide in that period reinforce the critical need for attentive driving during school commutes.
A visible police presence during peak school hours serves as a powerful deterrent against speeding and unsafe driving behavior. Rather than being there primarily to catch violations, GBPD acts proactively to prevent them. The prominent presence of officers signals to drivers that the risk of getting caught is high, which encourages safer behavior. In essence, police visibility isn’t about punishment — it’s about discouragement before violations even occur.
“As the new school year begins, there will be an increased police presence around our local schools,” Haulmark said. “This is a proactive safety measure aimed at ensuring a smooth and secure start to the academic year for all students and staff. GBPD will be conducting routine patrols and monitoring the traffic flow during drop-off and pick-up times, and maintaining a visible presence to support the school’s protocols. This is part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and community partnership.
“We hope everyone has a great Academic year, go Panthers!”
