Thousands of kids across the state are returning to school this week, prompting a warning to motorists. Scott Falb of the Iowa Department of Transportation says motorists should pay close attention to kids heading back to school — especially the young ones who’re new to the experience. Falb says parked cars are a big hazard, as kids can dart out and surprise motorists.Falb says conditions will change later this fall as the time change will make it darker out when kids are coming and going to school, requiring even more attention from motorists. Falb says parents should do their part to remind kids about safety. Thousands of big yellow buses are also hitting Iowa’s roadways as kids go back to school. Falb says drivers need to give the buses plenty of room. He says all vehicles are required to stop when the bus has its flashing lights on and stop arm out. Falb says flashing yellow lights on a bus should signal caution. Mason City Community Schools Transportation Director Melinda Fischer says visibility is one of the biggest safety concerns. Students are warned to watch out for cars and drivers have a signal they give to students to tell them when to cross in front of the bus. The National Coalition for School Bus Safety says there were around 62-thousand pupil injuries in reported school bus accidents between 1991 and 1996.
