Motorists are urged to pay attention and watch out for children at all times, but especially when school is in session.That’s the annual message from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which stresses the need to be alert for children walking, biking or riding to and from school.“Many schools throughout the state have started their 2016-2017 school year. This brings a change in traffic patterns. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths,” the patrol said in a prepared release.“School buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commutes. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination,” according to the statement.Afternoons are especially dangerous and most traffic crashes involving young drivers — under the age of 21 — in 2015 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out.Drivers need to be aware of the increased traffic during this time—not just in areas around schools, but everywhere, since many of these drivers are inexperienced.“It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22,” the patrol said.In 2015 there were 960 traffic crashes involving school buses in which one person was killed and 376 people were injured.Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.“The only 100 percent survivable crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint,” the patrol stressed.Missouri State Highway Patrol