With the majority of students returning to school after summer break, we can expect an increase in school bus and pedestrian traffic around schools and neighborhoods. Pedestrian vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. That means drivers need to step up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops and wherever children may be playing outside.

Here are some back-to-school tips:

1. Be familiar with school zones. Get in the habit of noticing where school zones and crosswalks are on routes that you normally take. Accidents, including pedestrian accidents, are far more likely to occur locally on routes with which drivers are more familiar and comfortable.
2. Stop for school bus lights. Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights. Drivers approaching the bus must come to a full stop for the duration that the red lights are on. Some school buses have flashing yellow lights also, which means that drivers may proceed with extreme caution. Bus drivers often engage the flashing yellow lights before the flashing red lights, signaling that they are about to stop.
3. Obey crossing guards. School crossing guards are given police training and have the same authority as local traffic police in most areas, so disobeying a crossing guard could get you in some serious trouble. Remember that driving on major streets where crossing guards and crosswalks are observed is safer than taking "short cut" side streets where children may be unattended.
4. Anticipate the worst. The speed and distance of oncoming cars is more difficult for young children to judge. Always anticipate the chance that a small child may run in front of you by slowing down and preparing to brake.
5. Be careful around parked vehicles. Be especially careful in areas with parked vehicles on the side of the road. Children waiting to cross may be especially difficult to see behind parked sport utility vehicles.
6. Don't speed. Remember that the speed limit in most school zones during school times or when children are present is 25 miles per hour. Bad weather, or areas with limited visibility, will require a lower speed. Your visibility to pedestrians, your ability to see them, and your stopping distance all may be greatly impaired by weather or road conditions so follow your common sense and slow down.
7. It’s the law. It's not hard to see the increase in school buses around this time. Laws vary by state, but usually you have to stop if a school bus is loading or unloading no matter what side of the street it's on. Passing a school bus while its red lights are flashing is illegal in every state.