Tardy bells will soon be ringing as schools throughout Virginia begin their new year. For many children, this is their first time walking, riding or biking to school, making them relatively unaware of important safety rules.  And returning students, distracted by their back to school excitement, tend to forget the rules. 

As adult motorists, it’s incumbent upon us to keep our antenna up (pun intended) and exercise great caution at this time of year, particularly on weekday mornings and afternoons. Here are a few reminders to help assure our children have a safe and fun school year:

·         When approaching intersections and crosswalks, always slow down and watch carefully for children attempting to cross the street.

·         The majority of school bus related accidents occur OFF the bus. You should never pass a school bus when its lights are flashing and children are getting on or off (unless you are facing the bus and on a divided highway). 

·         Children have a tendency to dart in and out of parked cars, especially in parking lots.  Always slow down to a safe speed and be alert when you are approaching and/or in a school zone.

Many high school students will be behind the wheel for the first time this year.  Be aware of these drivers and, if you have a new driver in your family, be sure to remind him/her to be cautious on their way to and from school and in parking lots.