Jackson, WY — The 2026‑2027 school year for Teton County School District #1 starts Monday, Aug. 31. As families prepare for the first day of classes, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is issuing a renewed call for motorists to be extra vigilant around schools.
Why extra caution matters
Back‑to‑school season brings excitement for children, especially those attending school for the first time. It also adds a wave of young, inexperienced pedestrians to the streets—children walking along roadsides, waiting at bus stops, and navigating school‑zone crossings. These vulnerable road users rely on drivers to give them space and time.
Key safety reminders from WYDOT
- Watch for school‑zone signs and bus‑stop markers. When a school bus’s yellow lights flash, the bus is preparing to stop. When the red lights flash and the stop arm extends, all drivers must come to a complete stop.
- Slow down in school and residential areas. Reduced speeds give drivers more reaction time and lower the severity of any potential collision.
- Obey all traffic signs and symbols. Speed limits, stop signs, and flashing beacons are posted for a reason—especially during arrival and dismissal periods.
- Avoid school zones during peak times if possible. If you can route around the area during the busiest hours, you reduce traffic congestion and risk.
Practical tips for parents and guardians
Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about safe crossing practices before school begins. Emphasize the use of sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and designated school‑crossing points. Remind kids to look both ways—left, right, then left again—before stepping onto the street.
Pedestrian and cyclist safety advice
- Walk facing traffic when sidewalks are unavailable.
- Bike in designated bike lanes; if none exist, ride with traffic flow.
- Wear bright‑colored clothing and reflective gear to increase visibility.
- Always wear a helmet while cycling.
- Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks, and travel in groups when possible.
Enforcement and community cooperation
Local law‑enforcement agencies will continue to enforce speed limits and school‑bus passing violations in and around school zones, especially during arrival and dismissal windows. Drivers who fail to stop for flashing red bus lights or who exceed posted speeds may face citations.
WYDOT also posted a reminder on its social‑media channels: “See a school bus stopped with its red lights on and stop arm out? That means STOP!” The department urges all travelers to allow extra time for their trips, plan routes ahead of time, and stay alert for children walking or waiting for transportation.
Community responsibility
Keeping children safe on the road is a shared responsibility. When drivers, parents, school staff and law‑enforcement work together, the back‑to‑school transition can be a smooth and secure experience for everyone in Jackson and the broader Teton County area.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
