STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Wednesday, Aug. 12 is the first day of school for Barren County students, and school officials are asking drivers to slow down and plan ahead as traffic increases around campuses.
Transportation director Nathan Peters said motorists in and around Glasgow should expect heavier traffic volumes in both the mornings and afternoons with school back in session.
“I just would encourage everybody to know, as buses get back out on the road, allow yourself some extra time. Be a little bit more patient on your way in to town [in the mornings] and out of town in the afternoons,” he said.
Peters also talked about new safety rules for vehicles that carry students.
He said a law passed earlier this year now requires any Barren County Schools district vehicle transporting students to stop at railroad crossings, not just school buses.
That means drivers may see school vans, cars or other district vehicles stopping at tracks even when they look like regular passenger vehicles.
Peters said the change is aimed at keeping student safety at the center of every trip.
He added that district vehicles carrying students are no longer allowed to turn right on red.
Peters said drivers may end up behind a normal-looking vehicle that does not turn right on red at certain intersections, and he is asked the public to be patient and allow those vehicles time to move when it is safe.
Beyond the new rules, Peters also reminded drivers about laws for school buses that apply to drivers of other vehicles.
He said that when a bus has its stop arm out and red lights flashing, all traffic needs to stop and wait, including on some four-lane roads.
Peters said the district tries to avoid having students cross multiple lanes of traffic, but that is not always possible, so stopping for bus signals is a key layer of safety.
He also noted that the moments when students are getting on and off the bus are among the most dangerous parts of any route because children are outside the protection of the vehicle.
Peters asked that students who are waiting for buses not to block out surrounding sound with both earbuds, so they can hear instructions and traffic.
He said that can help them stay alert around moving vehicles.
Traffic around the Barren County High School campus and Trojan Trail is expected to be especially congested beginning Wednesday.
Peters added that traffic is usually even heavier for the first few days of the school year, when many parents choose to drive their children to school.
Peters is encouraging anyone traveling near Barren County schools to allow a few extra minutes and be patient as families and buses adjust to their school-year routines.
Key Facts
– First day of school for Barren County students is Wednesday, Aug. 13
– Transportation director Nathan Peters warns of heavier traffic around Glasgow
– New law requires all district vehicles carrying students to stop at railroad crossings
– District vehicles with students are no longer allowed to turn right on red
– Drivers must stop for bus stop arms and flashing red lights, even on some four-lane roads
– Trojan Trail and other school approaches expected to be especially congested in first days
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