It's back to school time, drive carefully

Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess reminds everyone that schools will be back in session September 7. School buses will be back on the roads, and students will be walking along streets and highways and/or waiting for their buses. "This is the time of year when we ask motorists to be especially watchful in residential areas, along school bus routes and in school zones," Hess said. "Children and traffic are often a deadly combination because kids often make impulsive decisions that can result in grave consequences. Drivers must never assume that children walking to or from school will make responsible, mature decisions."

The NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee recommends the following:

•Watch carefully for children near school buildings, in areas where school buses are traveling or where there are signs for school zones or bus stops.

•If you are approaching a school bus from either direction, and its yellow lights are flashing, the bus is preparing to stop.

•If the red lights are flashing on the school bus, you must stop. It's the law and the penalty for violating it is severe.