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3 tips to stay safe as Gainesville school year starts Wednesday
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Mechanic Ben Bridges guides a bus into the garage Tuesday afternoon at the Gainesville City Schools bus shop. The new school year for Gainesville schools begins today.

SAVED BY THE BELL

You know there will be more cars, kids and school buses on the roads. If you want to avoid the traffic crunch, you should know that elementary schools start at 7:40 a.m. and let out at 2:20 p.m. The middle and high school start at 8:25 a.m. and let out at 3:25 p.m.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Be cautious when a bus’ overhead lights are flashing yellow, and stop when they are flashing red. One of the only times you don’t need to stop for a bus is when you’re coming from the opposite direction on a divided highway with a median. In all cases, be careful around bus stops and watch for children walking or bicycling to school.

PARENTS, LISTEN UP

Don’t block others’ visibility by double parking or stopping on crosswalks to let your children out of the car. And don’t let them out across the street from the school either, forcing them to cross a busy street.

Source: Gainesville Police