NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY)– The first day of school is less than 24-hours away for students in Iberia Parish.

Tomorrow morning, more than 10,000 students will make their way back into the classroom for another year. With that type of precious cargo on board buses, school system officials have to be certain machines are in top shape.

Nearly 130 buses will be transporting students around Iberia Parish and each one must pass a state inspection, as well as a once over by the Supervisor of Transportation, Raymond Noel.

“Basically, I check the tires, all the warning lights, make sure the lettering is good, it has flares, the fire extinguishers inspected, seats are in good shape and the cleanliness of the bus.” Said Noel.

Drivers on the road should keep in mind while students are being picked up and dropped off that no matter which side of the road you’re on if a school bus is preparing to stop, so should you.

“Kids are going to be either crossing, departing, or boarding. You must stop 30 feet behind a stopped school bus that is the law.”

Iberia Parish Superintendent Dale Henderson praises the parish’s bus drivers and encourages all drivers to pay extra attention while on the road.

“There will be a lot more traffic. Older kids, high school kids driving to school, and we’ll have more than 130 buses on the streets and highways in Iberia Parish.”

If you’re on the road Friday morning, expect an influx of buses between the hours of 6 and 9 in the morning and around 2:30 to 5 in the afternoon.