Traffic safety suggestions for back-to-school season

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Schools are back in session, and with that, school buses and their students are back on the road. Multiple police departments across the Capital Region have issued traffic reminders to the public to help keep kids safe this fall.

One of the most important traffic safety suggestions to keep in mind for back-to-school season is making sure to stop for halted school buses. The majority of buses will flash yellow lights when the vehicle is coming to a stop, and red lights will flash to indicate that the bus has stopped and children are actively being picked up or dropped off.

Law enforcement agencies such as the Colonie and Schenectady Police Departments remind drivers that if buses and their extended stop signs or "stop-arms" are flashing red lights, all nearby drivers in both directions must stop. Some stop-arms come equipped with cameras, and drivers who fail to stop may face fines of up to $300.

Saratoga Springs Police posted the graphic below on social media explaining that drivers must stop for school buses regardless of their lane situation. Drivers can continue their commute once a stop-arm is withdrawn and a bus continues moving.

Even if a bus is not in sight in the morning or afternoon, children in the area might be walking to or from their bus stop. Drivers should be mindful when backing out of their driveway or driving through their neighborhood and school zones.

Travelers are also advised to set aside extra time for their morning drive, as school buses and their accompanying stops become more prevalent on the road. Running late to work can certainly be frustrating, but it should never compromise the safety of commuting school children.