Wagontown would like to remind motorists that schools in our area started back today, so let's be careful now since our children are coming out to get on their bus and then when they come home and get off the bus.

Remember we need to look out for our future, protect our children crossing the roads.

AAA Reports:

Every fall, over 55 million children across the United States head back to school. With 13 percent of those children typically walking or biking to their classes, AAA warns drivers to be especially vigilant for pedestrians before and after school hours. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous – over the last decade, nearly one in four child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Some Safety Tips:

Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in neighborhoods surrounding the school.

Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with caution when you see yellow hazard warning lights are flashing on a moving or stopped bus.

Stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing, regardless of the direction from which the driver is approaching. Drivers must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the red lights stop flashing, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.

Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk) in areas near a school.

Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up (out of a driveway or leaving a garage).