Missouri State Highway Patrol offers safety tips for Back-to-School season

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — As students return to school, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding parents, students and motorists to prioritize safety.

In 2024, seven people were killed and 345 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus in Missouri.

To ensure a safe school year, the patrol offers the following safety tips:

For Students:

When walking to school, stay alert and cross streets at intersections or marked crosswalks.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
Wear a helmet and follow traffic laws when riding a bicycle.
Stay focused and avoid distractions like phones or music when walking or biking.

For Parents:

Encourage safe driving habits, such as avoiding distractions and following traffic laws.
Talk to your children about the Courage2ReportMO program, which allows students to report safety concerns anonymously.

For Motorists:

Be vigilant near school zones, playgrounds and crosswalks.
Expect increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic near schools.
Follow Missouri law regarding stopped school buses.

The patrol also reminds the public that it is hiring for various positions, including troopers and commercial vehicle officers. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/MSHPCareers.