JONESBORO, Ark. — Two vehicle crashes occurred in Jonesboro on Wednesday morning as local schools began their first day of the academic year, highlighting safety concerns during increased traffic in school zones.
Robert Bennett, a driving instructor with Thompson Driving School in Little Rock, emphasized the need for drivers to prioritize caution, especially during the school year.
“With the school being in session, please leave yourself more time,” Bennett said. “Put the phones down and get your eyes up.”
Bennett stressed that distractions extend beyond just mobile phones. He noted that sounds, friends, and even modern infotainment systems can divert drivers’ attention away from the road.
“Playing the radio or selecting songs, especially with today’s infotainment screens — which require multiple inputs — is a distraction that we see quite often,” Bennett explained.
Local residents echoed the concern, pointing to potential risks for students traveling to and from school. Angelica Martinez, a Jonesboro resident and mother, shared her observations of children frequently walking near roadways.
“There’s a lot of kids who walk up and down the side roads when they get out,” Martinez said. “When you’re in the school area, just make sure you’re looking at where you’re driving and slow down.”
Officials and safety experts often remind drivers to anticipate increased pedestrian traffic during the school year, particularly around school zones and residential streets.
Drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary distractions, and adjust their schedules to account for busier traffic during school hours.