A new school year means children waiting for school buses, and the National Safety Council cautions motorists to slow down and pay attention when kids are present—especially before and after school.

If you’re dropping off 

Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. More children are hit by cars near schools than at any other location, according to the National Safe Routes to School program. The following apply to all school zones:

—Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles;

—Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school, and

—Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.

SHARING THE ROAD

Pedestrians

According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they’re walking. They are hit by the bus, or...