Back to school; helpful advice for Texas children, parents & drivers

With the start of the new school year, students are once again rushing to be on time, parents are getting them on their way, and drivers are going about their business -- all could heed some advice on safety. "This is a critical time of the year," noted Ray Palermo, director of public information for Teachers' Insurance Plan. "Drivers need to re-acclimate themselves to having children on and near the road, particularly at rush hours. And, both children and their parents need to get back into their good traffic safety habits." He offered several tips from their Safety Information Center.

Tips for school bus riders

* Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.

* Line up facing the bus, not along side it.

* After getting off the bus, move out of traffic.

* Wait for the bus driver to signal you to cross the street. Walk away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.

Tips for parents & drivers

* Everyone should wear a seatbelt, and children should be in age and size appropriate car seats.

* Stay focused on driving and don't be distracted by kids in the car or with other activities.

* Slow down in school zones. Driving just 5 mph over the speed limit increases both the risk of hitting a child and the severity of any injuries.

* You never know if children crossing the street are paying attention, so remain stopped until the child has crossed not only your lane of traffic, but the adjacent lane as well.

* Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk, as they may be waiting for someone to cross.

* Do not pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing, even if it is on the other side of the street.

* Use extra care in areas where children may enter the road from between parked vehicles or other things that block drivers' view.