VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — AAA Tidewater recommends drivers be patient and attentive during their morning commutes as students prepare for the start of a new school year.

Students in Portsmouth and Norfolk return to class Aug. 18, with other local public school districts following in the coming weeks.

AAA is ushering in its annual “School’s Open, Drive Carefully” campaign.

The agency reports 747 drivers crashed in Hampton Roads school zones in 2024, resulting in 284 injuries and one fatality.

AAA advises the following precautions that abide by Virginia Law:

• When approaching from any direction, stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign.
• Remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus starts moving again.
• Stop whenever the bus is unloading or loading passengers, even if the lights and stop sign are not activated.
• When a bus is on a median or barrier’s opposite side, drivers don’t have to stop. They should still prepare for students crossing lanes.

For more information, residents can access AAA Tidewater’s website here or call them at 757-233-3800.