Back to School Traffic Causes Problems for Drivers

The first day of school backed up traffic Monday, causing major problems for parents picking up their children.

“Oh, it’s crazy when two schools are together like it is,” said Heather Domer, a parent.

Traffic at Fairview Elementary School in Fort Smith snaked around the parking lot and out into the road Monday. “I’ve been coming here for about six years, so I’m pretty used to it,” said Domer.

Parents arrived early to pick up their kids in order to avoid the traffic. “We don’t want to be stuck at the stoplight like 30 minutes after school,” said Tommy Phillips, a parent.

Fort Smith Schools want people to slow down. “Not all school zones have flashing lights,” said Eric Huber, Supervisor of Safety and Security for Fort Smith Schools. “The traffic is always the worst on the very first few days of school cause everyone picks up and takes their kids to school,” he said.

Arkansas law prohibits drivers from using their cell phones in school zones. Police say if you’re caught you could be issued a citation.

Officer Joe Love, school resource officer at Southside High School, says his biggest problems are in the crosswalk and speeding. “Obviously with a bunch of teenagers is reckless driving, them spinning their tires coming out of the parking lot,” said Love.

Obey crossing guards as they get students across the street. “Just drive safely,” said Domer.

Love expects traffic to thin out once parents find a routine. “Usually it takes about two weeks or so and then everybody will figure out where to go. They’ll start using the other parking lots,” said Love.

Van Buren police say they had traffic complaints Monday at every single school.