It is that time of year again: school bells will ring and buses will fill area streets. It’s a good time to remember traffic safety, especially if you travel or live near a school. More children are hit by vehicles near schools than at any other location, according to the National Safe Routes to School program.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more school-age pedestrians have been killed between the hours of 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. than any other time of day.

All motorists should be on the lookout for students and buses, and obey traffic laws on streets near schools. In Brookhaven, it’s not uncommon to see children walking to school. Pay attention to those students if you are driving on their street. Give them plenty of room; young students may not be paying attention to traffic.

There are also a few rules to keep in mind regarding school buses:

• Never pass a bus if it is stopped to load or unload children.

• Traffic must stop if the buses flashing light or “stop” arm is extended.

• Give buses plenty of room, while they are moving and when they are stopped.

• Always be alert to children approaching a stopped bus.

• Be aware that some streets near schools may close or have reduced speed limits during school hours.

If we all make student safety a priority, this school year can be a safe one.