Coffee County, Tennessee, August 4, 2025
News Summary
As Coffee County Schools commence the new school year, traffic conditions are expected to worsen due to school buses on the roads. Motorists are advised to anticipate heavier traffic, particularly in school zones, and adjust their routes accordingly. With the priority on student safety, the community is urged to adhere to school bus laws, including stopping for buses with flashing lights. Patience and vigilance are essential for all drivers to ensure safe travel for children during this back-to-school season.
Coffee County, Tennessee – The new school year for Coffee County Schools begins tomorrow, August 4, 2025, bringing with it an increase in traffic as school buses hit the roads. Motorists are being urged to prepare for heavier traffic and potential delays, particularly in school zones.
As students return to school, traffic officers will be actively directing traffic around schools to help manage the flow. However, their presence may not completely eliminate delays, and parents and other drivers are advised to plan their routes accordingly.
Ensuring the safety of students as they board and disembark from school buses remains a top priority for both the Coffee County School System and local law enforcement. All drivers must understand the laws surrounding school bus safety to prevent accidents and ensure children’s safety. When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, vehicles must come to a complete stop, except when traveling on highways separated by a median.
Drivers must also be aware that vehicles traveling in the same direction as a school bus are required to stop when the bus is loading or unloading passengers. The flashing amber lights on a bus indicate that the bus is preparing to stop, signaling drivers to slow down and prepare to halt.
It is essential for drivers to remain stopped until all students have boarded in the morning or have cleared at least 12 feet off the roadway in the afternoon before resuming their journey. To ensure safe travel around school zones, motorists are provided with the following guidelines:
- Stay alert and patient around school bus stops.
- Watch for children walking to and from school bus stops.
- Slow down when yellow flashing lights are activated.
- Do not speed up in an attempt to beat a school bus.
- Remain stopped until the stop sign is retracted and lights are turned off.
- Avoid distractions, such as texting or making phone calls, while driving.
- Observe students’ actions at bus stops and be prepared to respond.
- Obey all traffic signals, particularly those indicating reduced speed limits in school zones.
- Do not pass other vehicles in school zones or make U-turns at school crossings.
- Follow directions provided by school crossing guards.
- Drive or park only in designated areas when picking up or dropping off children.
As the new school year approaches, the Coffee County community is encouraged to work together to ensure that all students can travel safely to and from school.
FAQ
When does the new school year start for Coffee County Schools?
The new school year starts on August 4, 2025.
What should drivers be aware of during school bus operations?
Drivers should watch for flashing lights and stop signs and should stop for buses loading or unloading students.
What are the consequences of not following school bus safety laws?
Not adhering to school bus safety laws can lead to severe accidents involving students and may result in legal consequences for drivers.
How can drivers prepare for increased traffic in school zones?
Motorists should plan their routes in advance, allow extra time for travel, and remain vigilant while driving in school zones.
Key Features of School Bus Safety
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Red Lights & Stop Arm | All vehicles must stop when the bus’s red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, except on divided highways. |
| Amber Lights | Indicates that the bus is preparing to stop; drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. |
| Travel Direction | Vehicles in the same direction as the bus must stop while students are boarding or disembarking. |
| Patience & Vigilance | Drivers should be alert, watch for children, and remain stopped until the bus resumes its route. |
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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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