News and Press Releases Tuesday, August 23, 2022

As students settle into the first days of school, the Ada County Highway District reminds commuters to be extra vigilant as school buses, bikers and walkers make their way to and from classes.

ACHD crews maintain and operate 265 School Zone flashing beacon heads and 204 flasher controllers associated with 96 schools. ACHD works with schools to determine the times for the lights to flash, reminding drivers to slow down in school zones.

As parents, students, and bus drivers get used to their new routines, drivers are encouraged to give themselves additional time for both morning and afternoon commutes. Extra time will allow for more patience and grace and reduce any thought of disobeying traffic laws.

"Heading back to school is an exciting time of year for students and parents alike," said ACHD Commission President Mary May. "As ACHD crews continue to ensure our roadways are accessible for all users, we must all do our part to make sure students have a fun and safe start to the school year."

"Boise School District appreciates and values the partnership that we have with the Ada County Highway District to ensure that transportation safety is a top priority in our community as our students and families begin the 2022-2023 school year," said Superintendent Coby Dennis, Boise School District. "We thank motorists for being on the lookout for our students as they travel to and from school and remind drivers to please obey our school bus stop arms as students are picked up and dropped off from school bus stops."

ACHD has several important reminders to keep Ada County's most vulnerable residents safe throughout the school year:

School buses:

• Drivers should keep an eye out for students walking to and waiting at school bus stops
• When a bus is stopped, drivers should know the rules for when they need to stop (see diagram below):
• On any road with three or fewer lanes, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop
• On a road with four or more lanes, vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop, and those traveling in the opposite direction can proceed with extreme caution

Pick-up and Drop-off: 

• Students should use crosswalks on the way to the bus stop, and stay out of the roadway while waiting for the bus
• Students waiting to be picked up by parents should stay on the sidewalk or designated pick-up area at their school
• Those picking up students should yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and keep an eye out for children who may be crossing the street

Driving Safely:

• Drivers should watch diligently for school zone signs and posted speed limits within those zones
• Keep an eye out for small children in crosswalks and on sidewalks
• Allow extra travel time during the morning and afternoon commutes 
• Keep phones and other distractions down and keep eyes on the road

Boise School District has a number of transportation related positions that are currently open, including school crossing guards, school bus drivers and school bus monitors. Further information can be found on the Boise School District website.