August is a month marked with the hustle and bustle of back-to-school preparations. As families gear up for the new school year, there's an exciting mix of joy and jitters. It's a time when pencil cases and backpacks are meticulously sorted, bus schedules are pinned to refrigerators, and minds brim with first-day-of-school anticipation. Amidst this excitement, it's crucial to remember that August is also National Traffic Awareness Month—a timely reminder to prioritize safety as our roads become more crowded with families making their way to and from school.

Watch for Children in Residential Areas

• With schools reopening, neighborhoods will see an increase in children crossing streets or biking to school. Extra vigilance is needed in residential areas and particularly around schools.

Understand School Bus Laws

• School buses will make frequent stops. It's essential to be vigilant around stopped buses and to understand the stop sign laws that protect boarding and disembarking students.

Exercise Patience in School Zones

• The rush of pick-up and drop-off times can lead to chaotic school zones and parking lots. Staying patient and alert helps to safeguard the students, parents, and staff in these high-traffic areas.

Be Mindful of New Drivers

• Student drivers will be among those hurrying to get to class on time. Offering extra space and showing understanding can prevent unnecessary accidents during this learning period for new drivers.

Promote Safe Practices to Children

• Encourage conversations with your children about walking and biking safely. Emphasize the use of crosswalks, the importance of wearing helmets, and the necessity of staying off phones or devices while navigating roads.

Remember, a few mindful changes to our daily routines can significantly enhance safety for everyone on the road. As we embrace the collective responsibility of ensuring a safe environment, let this season empower us to lead by example, prioritizing alertness and patience in our traffic-heavy routines.