Yisroel R.

With students heading back to school, drivers are once again being reminded to slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution around school buses, crosswalks, and busy school zones.

Orange County Emergency Services issued the reminder as classes resume across the county today, stressing that the return of the school year also means more children walking near roadways and more buses making frequent stops throughout the morning and afternoon, bringing renewed importance to safe and cautious driving during the busy back-to-school season.

Drivers are being urged to watch closely for children crossing streets and to be especially careful near schools, where traffic patterns can quickly become crowded during arrival and dismissal times.

Drivers are also reminded to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and extended stop arms, and to avoid distractions behind the wheel including texting, as we’ve seen a recent rise in school bus-related incidents in many areas that could have possibly been avoided.

The message is meant to help set the tone for a safe start to the school year, with drivers, parents, and students all playing a role in keeping children safe on the road, making it for a safe and successful school year.