With school back in session, drivers will want to leave extra time for traffic and be on the lookout for children crossing streets.

"Safety should be the top priority for all students, especially younger children and those heading to school for the first time," said Michele Baehr, Executive Director for the Red Cross of the Pocono Mountains. "Whether riding the bus or walking to school, we want everyone to arrive and then return home safely."Review safety information with children:• Stand back from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive.• Wait to board the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has signaled to get on.• Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.• Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.• Never dart out into the street, or cross between parked cars.In a car:• If a teenager is driving to school, parents should mandate that he or she use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cellphone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.• Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.• When students are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection. If possible, use a route with crossing guards.• Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.If you are driving:• Know what the yellow and red bus signals mean and be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down - especially in residential areas and school zones.Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop.Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.Parents should also make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1. They should also teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don't know.