“With schools back in session, the safety of the kids is our number one priority,” Det. Kyle Costa said.

The Department shared last year’s crosswalk safety video, and also produced a new video on school bus safety to better educate students and parents about back-to-school topics.

The department also shared a host of safety tips for students, parents, and the public to keep in mind as school buses and students are on the roads.

Drivers should be on increased alert in school zones and other areas with many pedestrians and children, and never text and drive.

Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the street and crossing guards holding stop signs. Drivers should never honk or rev their engine to scare a pedestrian, and never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

Students should never walk or cross the street while using a cellphone or other electronic device. Before crossing the street, students should look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street, and cross the street only at crosswalks.

When waiting for the bus, students should stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Students should line up away from the street as the bus approaches, and wait until the bus has stopped and the doors open before approaching.

If available, students should always wear a seat belt and wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from their seats.

When getting off the bus, if the student needs to cross in front of the bus, the student should walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus so the student and the driver can see each other. The student should wait for a signal from the driver, then look left, right, and left again before crossing the street with an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

If the student’s vision is blocked, the student should move to a safe area where they can see.

The Police Department, along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, recommends teen drivers follow the “5 to Drive:” No cell phones while driving, no extra passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, and no driving or riding without a seat belt.