News Summary
With the new school year kicking off, Coffee County authorities are reminding motorists about the importance of traffic safety near schools. As school buses resume operation, drivers should prepare for increased traffic and be aware of school bus safety laws. Local law enforcement will be present to manage traffic, but motorists must remain vigilant and patient to ensure safe navigation through school zones. Cooperation among all road users is essential for a smooth school year transition.
Coffee County, Tennessee – School Year Begins with Traffic and Safety Alerts for Motorists
The 2025-2026 school year for Coffee County Schools officially kicks off on August 4, 2025. As students return to classes, local authorities and school officials are emphasizing the importance of traffic safety and preparedness for increased vehicle activity in and around school zones.
Increased Traffic Expected as School Buses Resume Operations
Starting tomorrow, school buses will be back on the roads, transporting students to and from educational facilities across Coffee County. Their return is anticipated to cause a notable rise in traffic congestion near school entrances and along routes serving the county’s schools. Motorists should prepare for potential delays, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours.
Traffic Control Measures in Place
To manage this increased activity, law enforcement officers and school staff will be directing traffic at some school zones. However, officials warn that the presence of officers may not fully prevent traffic backups or delays. Drivers are advised to exercise patience and remain alert while navigating these areas.
School Bus Safety Laws and Drivers’ Responsibilities
Ensuring the safety of students riding school buses remains a top priority. All drivers must adhere to traffic laws related to school bus operations, including:
- Stopping for buses: Motorists must stop when a school bus has its red flashing lights activated and stop arm extended. This rule applies to all vehicles except when driving on highways separated by medians.
- Same-direction vehicles: Vehicles traveling in the same direction as a school bus are required to stop during passenger loading or unloading.
- Amber warning signals: When a bus activates its flashing amber lights, drivers should reduce speed and prepare to stop, as a full stop is imminent.
- Remaining stopped: Vehicles must stay stopped until the bus turns off its flashing lights, retracts its stop arm, and students have safely boarded or cleared a minimum distance of 12 feet from the roadway in the afternoon.
Recommendations and Safety Tips for Motorists
Officials urge drivers to follow these safety tips to protect children and improve traffic flow:
- Stay vigilant and patient around school bus stops and crossings.
- Watch for children walking to and from bus stops, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours.
- Slow down as soon as yellow flashing lights appear on a school bus.
- Do not attempt to pass a school bus that has its stop arm extended or lights flashing.
- Remain fully stopped until signs indicate it’s safe to proceed.
- Avoid distractions such as texting or calls while driving in school zones.
- Observe and follow the instructions of school crossing guards.
- Park or drive only in authorized areas when dropping off or picking up students.
- Adhere to posted speed limits, especially lower limits in school zones during active hours.
- Refrain from making U-turns at school crossings or passing other vehicles in school zones.
Additional Advice for Safe School Zone Navigation
Motorists should always prioritize safety by maintaining awareness of their surroundings and driving responsibly in school zones. Being prepared for extra traffic, obeying traffic laws, and respecting school bus procedures are essential steps to ensure the safety of students, parents, and staff during the start of this new school year.
As the school year begins, local officials emphasize that cooperation among drivers, law enforcement, and school personnel is vital to creating a safe and smooth transition back into the academic year for everyone involved.
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Additional Resources
- Douglas Now
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- WTVY
- Google Search: Coffee County Schools
- WGRV
- Google Scholar: School Traffic Safety
- Tullahoma News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Regulations
- WTVY
- Google News: Coffee County Bus Driver Shortage
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
