Back to school means driving safetly

Over the summer, drivers got a break from big yellow buses filled with wound up kids.

Bus driver Karen Parkey deals with kids 10 months out of the year.

"They get on in the morning and they are excited to go to school and see their friends then they are excited to get home in the afternoon," Parkley said.

Parkley said the real challenge doesn't sit in the seats, but on the road ahead. That's a road that's full of drivers eager to get where they want to go.

"One of the safest vehicles you can ride in is a school bus so our main concern is what's out there that they don't hit us because the children are safe inside the bus," Parkley said.

Officials encourage drivers to be patient and look out this year.

"Now that the kids are out waiting for busses be aware of your surroundings and watch your driving especially when your talking on cell phones," Clay County sheriff Mike Heaton said.

Parkley reminds drivers to be prepared to brake at any time.

"You really have to be prepared when seeing a bus come at you that your expecting that bus to throw on their flashing lights," Parkley said.

A reminder for folks living in Vigo County schools starts next Tuesday.