Missouri Highway Patrol Issues School Safety Warning

With school starting across Missouri over the next several days and weeks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding students, parents, and motorists of a few important safety tips.

For Students:

Stay alert at all times. If you're walking to school, be aware of your surroundings, especially when crossing the street, and try to avoid using your phone while walking. Always use designated crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

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For Parents:

This is a great time of year to talk to your kids about safety—whether they're walking, riding bikes, or are new drivers themselves. The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers a program called Courage2ReportMO, which provides a safe and confidential way for students to report any concerns about their safety or the safety of others. It’s also a helpful resource for starting conversations with your children about staying safe.

For Motorists:

One of the most important reminders from the Missouri State Highway Patrol is this: never pass a school bus that is stopped to pick up or drop off students. It’s not just dangerous, it’s illegal. Also, be on the lookout for students walking or biking to school, especially during the first few days and weeks of the new school year, when the excitement is still fresh.