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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - Police departments across Massachusetts are reminding their communities it's back to school season. And with the return to classrooms comes added traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road, along with a warning for parents on over sharing information about their children.
Starting on the roads, there will be an increase of pedestrian traffic and police are warning both those on foot and behind the wheel to follow a number of safety tips as the new school year starts.
For those walking to and from school, authorities said it's best to stay on a sidewalk whenever possible, always look both ways before crossing the street, and try and make eye contact with drivers before stepping in front of their vehicle.
If you're opting for a bike-ride to class, police are asking riders to ride in the same direction as traffic. If you're riding with a sibling or friend, try your best to stay in a single file line. And of course, always wear protective gear, such as a helmet.
Then of course there are those that ride the bus to school. Police are asking parents to teach their little ones safety while waiting for the bus.
"If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus. Your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other." Raynham police said.
With the added traffic on our roads and sidewalks, police are asking drivers to stay alert, especially when driving in the area of schools, parks, playgrounds, and in residential areas.
"Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children." Aquinnah Police said.
Meantime it isn't just road safety authorities are warning about as the school year begins.
Lynn police posted a parody of a typical "back to school" picture, many parents post online.
"Be mindful of what information you are sharing about your kids and who has access to that information." Police wrote.