School Back In Session, Police Offer Reminder To Drivers

BATESVILLE – As area students return to school local police are reminding motorists to use caution in school zones and residential areas.

School in session means more young drivers are on the roadway.Age 16 and 17 drivers accounted for a large percentage of motor vehicle accidents in 2011, according to Traffic Safety Data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“The first day of driving all of the parents are worked up and worried. The biggest tips we have is not texting or driving,” said Batesville school resource officer Jamie Straber.

“Also pay attention, because a lot of kids get a bunch of kids in the car and aren’t really paying attention to driving.”

Drivers should also be aware of students riding a bicycle, scooter or walking to school. Straber says there are quite a few children that walk to school.

Police remind parents to make sure their student is wearing a helmet when commuting by bike or scooter.