AUBURN — With summer ending and the start of school just around the corner, the Auburn Police Department shares the following tips to help keep kids safe as they head back to school.

Motorists are reminded to 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, and watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.

Drivers should reduce distractions inside their vehicle in order to concentrate on the road. Don’t talk or text while driving.

Chief Phil Crowell says that Auburn police officers will focus on school zone safety. “We always want to work in partnership with our community to make it stronger and safer,” said Crowell. “The high traffic volume and large number of children walking to/from school creates a dangerous situation. Motorists need to put the cell phone down, slow down, stop for school buses and be alert to children crossing the streets.”

Parents/guardians are encouraged to review some basic rules with their youngsters.

While on the school bus:

* If the child’s school bus has seat belts, make sure he/she uses one when in the bus.

* Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.

* Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street.

* Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

* Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.

When biking to/from school:

* Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.

* Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.

* Use appropriate hand signals.

* Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

* Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.

* Know the “rules of the road.”

If your child walks to school, make sure it is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection. Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision. If your children are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely. Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

The Auburn Police Department encourages parents and residents to make back-to-school safety a priority. “We want to remind motorists of the traffic laws within school zones for the sake of our children’s safety,” says Deputy Police Chief Jason Moen.