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Students are heading back to our region's schools.
And with this yearly occasion, we remind the public to discuss traffic safety with youngsters and, for those who also are motorists, to be careful as children will be along our streets and roads on weekday mornings and afternoons.
The website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers some tips.
"Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives," the website advises. "Ahead of the new school year, visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus, at least ten feet -- five giant steps -- away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play."
"When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay to get on or off. Your child should use the handrails to avoid falling," the website continues. "Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least ten feet -- five giant steps -- in front of the bus before crossing. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see that they're crossing to avoid the danger zone. If your child drops something near the school bus, like a phone or book, the safest thing is for your child to tell the bus driver right away. Your child should not try to pick up the item, because the driver might not be able to see them."
But, of course, the responsibility of safety does not fall solely on children.
We hope motorists are patient and paying attention as they drive to work or other chores and errands -- particularly during the parts of the day when students are waiting for school buses or walking to school.
"Illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat to children and others on the road," the nhtsa.gov website says. "In every state, it is illegal for you to pass a school bus while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing."
Teaching children the importance of safety -- and, as adults, learning the importance of patience and paying attention -- will help keep our youngest family members and neighbors more safe.