ADA COUNTY —Thousands of Ada County kids are heading to school to begin a new year of learning and fun. Students will be walking, biking, and rolling to school and after-school activities, increasing the need for extra driver awareness on the roadway.

Boise and West Ada students return to school this week, and Kuna School District students return to school next week. ACHD reminds drivers that school zones are once again active and busy.

“It’s an exciting time of year for families, but it also means busier streets around school zones,” said ACHD Director Ryan Head. “When we all stay patient and alert, we help ensure every student gets to and from school safely.”

ACHD crews maintain and operate 294 School Zone flashing beacon heads and 222 flasher controllers associated with 97 schools. ACHD works closely with schools to set the light schedules, reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert when the lights are flashing.

“The first day of school is always filled with energy and anticipation for students, families, and staff,” said Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts. “As we return to school, we ask our entire community to help keep students safe by slowing down, staying alert, and watching for children walking, biking, or riding the bus. Every student deserves a safe journey to and from school. We’re grateful for our ongoing partnership with ACHD and the shared commitment we have to student safety. Together, with families, neighbors, and community partners, we all play a role in creating safe routes and a welcoming environment for every learner.”

School buses have once again hit the roadway and it’s important to give them space and respect the rules of the road to protect the young passengers within. 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.

“The first day of school is one of the most exciting days of the year,” said West Ada School District Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub. “With all that excitement comes more activity on our roads, more families arriving at school, more students walking and biking, and more reasons to be extra mindful as we drive. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we ease into new traffic patterns and look forward to a safe, successful, and joyful school year for all.”

It's important that commuters of all kinds remain attentive and follow the rules of the roads, sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use pathways.

School Bus Safety (See Diagram Below)

• Watch for buses stopping frequently to pick up and drop off students.
• Keep an eye out for students walking to, and waiting at, school bus stops.
• Know the law:
  • On roads with three or fewer lanes, traffic in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus.
  • On roads with four or more lanes, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop; oncoming traffic should proceed with extreme caution.
• Parents should remind students to stay alert and follow bus stop safety rules.

Pick-up and Drop-off Reminders

• Never park near or block crosswalks in school zones, even for short drop-offs. Parking too close reduces visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, making it harder for drivers to see children using the crosswalk.
• Watch for students walking or biking, especially near intersections and between parked cars.
• Follow all posted school zone speed limits and obey crossing guards.
• Use designated pick-up and drop-off areas and avoid stopping in crosswalks.
• Always yield to pedestrians and check for bicycles before opening car doors.
• Students should wait on sidewalks or in safe zones, not in the roadway.

Walking and Rolling Safely

• Always use sidewalks, bike lanes, and designated crossings whenever possible.
• Avoid stepping into the street between parked cars.
• Follow all crossing guard instructions and remain alert to your surroundings.

By planning ahead, staying patient, and following school zone rules, drivers, parents, and students can work together to ensure a safe and successful start to the 2025 school year.