Suffolk Sounds Back-to-School Safety Reminder

As summer winds down and students prepare to return to classrooms, Suffolk County emergency officials are urging drivers to slow down and pay extra attention as school buses and children return to the roads.

Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services is reminding motorists that the start of the school year brings heavier traffic, more pedestrians and buses making frequent stops throughout local neighborhoods.

Officials are particularly urging drivers to reduce their speed in school zones and watch carefully for children walking or bicycling to school.

Motorists also are reminded that they must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign extended. Drivers approaching the bus from either direction are required to stop and remain stopped until the bus begins moving again or its signals are turned off.

The reminder is particularly important during the opening weeks of school, when motorists are readjusting to buses being back on the roads and children may be getting accustomed to new routes and schedules.

Pedestrians also are being encouraged to use designated crosswalks and look in both directions before entering a roadway.

Drivers should expect additional congestion during morning and afternoon school hours and leave extra time for their commute rather than attempting to make up time on the road.

School buses can make frequent and sometimes unexpected stops as they pick up and drop off students, while children may be difficult for motorists to see near parked vehicles, intersections and bus stops.

County emergency officials said taking a few additional seconds to slow down and remain alert can prevent crashes and help protect students, families and other motorists.

The message as another school year begins is simple: anticipate the return of school traffic, eliminate distractions behind the wheel and give children and school buses plenty of room.