As students return to classrooms across the Finger Lakes this week, law enforcement agencies in Ontario and Wayne counties are urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and be prepared for school buses, walkers and heavier traffic around schools.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists that yellow school buses are again part of the daily commute and that drivers must stop when a bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Deputies are also urging drivers to watch for children near bus stops and along roadways, particularly during morning and afternoon school hours.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office issued a similar warning, asking motorists to reduce speed, avoid distractions and pay close attention near schools, crosswalks, bus stops and residential areas.
Both agencies emphasized that the first days of the school year bring a noticeable shift in traffic patterns, with more children walking, crossing streets and waiting near roads.
In Ontario County, deputies said motorists should begin preparing to stop as soon as a school bus activates its yellow warning lights. Once the red lights begin flashing, drivers should remain stopped until the lights stop and the bus starts moving again.
The sheriff’s office also encouraged drivers to leave a little extra time for morning and afternoon travel instead of rushing through school traffic.
“A few seconds of patience can make all the difference,” the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office said.
Wayne County deputies focused more broadly on pedestrian safety, reminding motorists to watch for students walking along roads and crossing streets.
The agency urged drivers to yield at crosswalks, put phones and other distractions away and remain especially alert in residential neighborhoods where children may be traveling on foot.
“A few extra seconds of caution behind the wheel can prevent a tragedy,” the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said.
The warnings are particularly important near school bus stops, where children may need to cross the roadway after getting on or off a bus.
Drivers should also expect increased congestion around school buildings as families settle into new drop-off and pickup routines.
With the school year now underway, law enforcement officials are asking motorists across the region to treat back-to-school safety as a daily responsibility rather than a temporary reminder for opening week.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.