Students and school buses will be taking to the streets as most districts in the KCII-listening area begin the new year today.

Washington, Highland, Mid-Prairie, Hillcrest Academy, Columbus, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union schools all open their doors to students today. The Keota School District begins the year on Wednesday. Washington Police Chief Jim Lester stresses safety for motorists and students as city streets will be filled with more activity in the mornings and afternoons, “One of the biggest things for kids walking to school is stay on the sidewalks, obey the crossing lights, the walk and do not walk signs at the stop light intersections and watch out for cars. And same with drivers, watch out for those kids that are walking to school and be especially cognizant of kids running, maybe darting in between parked cars as you get closer to the school areas.”

Lester adds that students riding their bikes to school must follow the rules of the road which include stopping at stop signs and signaling for turns. He also urges them to make sure drivers are paying attention when crossing intersections and to not to ride between parked cars as that can cause an incident with an unsuspecting passing driver.