With many schools back in session this week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists and students to be alert on the road and around buses.

Highway Patrol Troop H Public Information Officer Sgt. Jake Angle said everyone needs to get back into “school mode.”

“Kids, parents, people out there driving on the roadways, because, obviously we’re going to have newer, younger drivers out there again going back and forth to school, we’re going to have kids on bicycles riding to school, walking near the roadway, things like that,” Angle said. “Everybody just needs to be aware of their surroundings… and if everybody takes their time, slows down, pays attention, you’re going to have a safe school year.”

With school being back, buses will also be on the roads. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2017, five people were killed and 401 people were injured in 869 traffic crashes involving school buses. Angle said when motorists see the bus lights come on, it is required by state law to stop while the bus is letting off or taking on students.

“When those lights come on, that stop arm comes out and that stop sign comes out, you are required to stop. It’s not slow down and move over, it’s stop. We have to give those kids and bus drivers plenty of room to get those kids on and off the bus,” Angle said. “Parents need to maybe… talk to the kids about the safe way to get on and off that bus, making eye contact with the bus driver, don’t just go running out into the street, we wait until it’s clear or that bus driver gives them the nod.”

The St. Joseph School District begins classes on Thursday.