Back-to-School Traffic Boosts Risk on the Roads Sheriff, Evsc Officials Offer Tips for Safe Return

By RICHARD GOOTEE Courier & Press staff writer 464-7436 or gooteer@courierpress.com

With less than two days remaining before big, yellow school buses are again a part of motorists’ daily commutes, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department is asking: Are motorists ready?

Sheriff Eric Williams said Friday afternoon that his department will have “a significant influence” near schools, both public and parochial, during the first week of classes.

“As opposed to having an accident, let’s just be careful and be safe with the start of school,” Williams said during a news conference at Perry Heights Middle School.

Last year, similar heavy patrols resulted in citations written for motorists not using seat belts and speeding, plus one arrest for drunken driving.

Both public and Catholic school officials spoke at Friday’s news conference.

“One of the most dangerous parts of schooling actually is the drop-off and dismissal of students, said Vincent Bertram, the superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.

Besides reminding motorists of

the start of the school, Williams encouraged parents to take advantage of school buses.

“The school buses are designed to carry kids to school. They know the traffic routes, they know the directions around the facilities,” Williams said.

Although the increased patrolling will last only the first week, motorists need to be aware of students all year, said Steve Bagbey, coordinator of safety and security for area Catholic schools.

“There’s an old saying in law enforcement: ‘Slow down, the life you save may be your own.’ What I would like to throw back to the community (is) not only may it be your life, but it may be your grandson, granddaughter, your son (or) a friend of yours,” he said. “Let’s have a safe 180 days.”

Bertram highlighted three schools, North High School, Evans Middle School and Scott Elementary because of construction or more students.

Because of construction, the EVSC is urging North High School students and parents not to use Richardt Avenue or the overpass over Diamond Avenue from the Lic’s parking lot as a walking route.

Evans Middle School Principal Liz Wells said riding the bus will be the safest route for students. If they walk, she recommended they do so behind North High School on Wedeking Avenue.

At Thursday’s open house, Scott Elementary officials outlined changes in dropping off and picking up students. Parents are asked to come to the school by turning north on Kingsmont Drive to avoid congestion on Old State Road.

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