NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — As students head back to the classroom, AAA is reminding Tennessee drivers to prepare for one of the busiest and most unpredictable traffic periods of the year.
The organization is urging motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions and remain vigilant as schools reopen and thousands of students return to daily commutes.
According to AAA, drivers can expect:
- Increased traffic congestion around schools
- More students walking to and from campus
- School buses making frequent stops
- Greater numbers of e-bike and e-scooter riders on roadways and sidewalks
“School commutes are now more complex than ever,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
“Drivers aren’t just watching for students on foot and children getting on or off school buses. They’re also sharing the road with e-bike and e-scooter riders. When you combine that with distracted driving and speeding, the consequences can be devastating.”
School Zone Safety a Top Priority
AAA says children can be unpredictable near roadways, often crossing streets unexpectedly, running toward bus stops, or emerging from between parked vehicles.
The organization recommends drivers:
- Obey posted school zone speed limits
- Put phones away and eliminate distractions
- Watch for crossing guards and pedestrians
- Leave earlier and allow extra travel time
Safety officials say even a few extra seconds of attention can prevent serious crashes in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
School Bus Laws Remain Critical
AAA is also emphasizing Tennessee’s school bus stopping laws as students begin riding buses again.
Under Tennessee law, drivers must stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Motorists must remain stopped until children have safely crossed and the stop arm has been withdrawn.
AAA’s reminders include:
Two-Lane Roads
Drivers traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and a stop arm.
Multi-Lane Roads with a Paved Median
Traffic traveling in both directions must stop.
Divided Highways
Drivers traveling in the opposite direction do not have to stop if lanes are separated by a raised barrier, concrete divider or at least five feet of unpaved space. However, motorists should still slow down and watch for students.
Officials stress that loading and unloading times remain among the most dangerous moments of a child’s school day.
Growing Numbers of E-Bikes and E-Scooters
AAA says another emerging concern is the growing popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters among students.
As more children and teenagers use electric mobility devices to travel to school, drivers are being urged to pay closer attention to bike lanes, intersections and school zones.
“These devices are not toys,” Cooper said.
“E-bikes and scooters can travel at speeds that catch riders and drivers off guard. As e-ride usage increases, so have the number of serious injuries and deaths.”
AAA encourages parents to discuss safe riding practices before children begin riding to school.
Safety Tips for Student Riders
AAA recommends that students using e-bikes or e-scooters:
- Learn local laws and age requirements
- Wear a properly fitted helmet
- Follow traffic laws and speed limits
- Obey traffic signals and signs
- Stay alert at intersections and crosswalks
The organization has also developed educational resources through its E-Ride Ready campaign to help families better understand safe operation of electric bicycles and scooters.
Students Also Have a Role
AAA reminds students to:
- Use marked crosswalks whenever possible
- Avoid distractions such as cell phones while walking
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets
- Use designated loading and unloading zones
- Follow school safety rules for bicycles, e-bikes and scooters
With schools reopening across Tennessee, traffic safety advocates say cooperation among drivers, students, parents and school officials is essential to prevent crashes and keep children safe throughout the school year.
