Protect local children as they head back to school

With summer ending and the start of school just around the corner, Richland County motorists need to be proactive to keep children safe as they head back to class.

Whether you are taking your kids to school or driving through a school zone, you can do your part to keep kids safe.

Take a few minutes to review the tips below to make sure you keep your children safe while walking and biking to school:

Here are some simple reminders for drivers:

* Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones

* Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs

* Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully

* Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours

* Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:

* They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old

* Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks

* Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars

* Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them