By State Senator Cathy Cook

With the end of summer, our children have exchanged swimsuits for schoolbooks and yellow school buses are once again a familiar sight in our neighborhoods. Now is probably a good time to remind our children - and ourselves - about back-to-school safety.

Drivers should remember that state law requires all vehicles to stop whenever a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights unless a traffic officer specifically directs otherwise. Drivers may not proceed until the school bus is no longer displaying its flashing red signals. Drivers who disobey this law jeopardize the safety of school children and risk law enforcement action.

As you drive around, take careful note of the school zones. Remember that routes can change every year so watch for school crossing guards and school buses. When near schools, drive slowly and be aware of children in parked cars, children rising bicycles and for movement around vehicles that might indicate the presence of children.

Parents should remind children that drivers may not always see them and to cross only at intersections and only when the light is green or when a pedestrian signal shows the walk symbol. Children should walk on the left, facing traffic however; they should always ride their bicycles with the flow of traffic and always wear their helmets. Reflective clothing is also a helpful safety item.

This year, following a near tragic accident in Groton, I proposed legislation that would have required all Connecticut school buses to have school bus monitors when children are traveling on board. The General Assembly did not pass this bill. So, I urge parents to give their children the same advice I gave mine when they were in school; that is, to always stand back from the street when waiting for the school bus, always watch out for other vehicles when getting on or getting off the bus and once off the bus immediately move towards the house. Of course, it is always wise to have an adult meet the school bus. School bus drivers and school crossing guards do the very best they can to protect the safety of the children in their charge. And, I believe that the overwhelming majority of drivers are careful and responsible. Nevertheless, common sense dictates that everyone - children and other drivers - make it a point to pay especially close attention to what is going on around them when school is in session.

As you may remember, the General Assembly passed legislation this year forbidding drivers to use hand-held mobile phones. This new law, which takes effect October 1 st , also forbids school bus drivers to use cell phones, with or without hands-free devices, while the school bus is moving and carrying passengers. However, school bus drivers can make emergency calls to schools or to emergency response or medical personnel.

For more safety tips, visit the Connecticut SAFE KIDS website at www.ctsafekids.org .

Enjoy the rest of the summer! If you are interested in knowing more about this, and other state issues, I encourage you to visit the General Assembly's website at www.cga.ct.gov . Of course, you can always call me at the Capitol at
1-800-842-1421 or send me an e-mail at Catherine.Cook@cga.ct.gov .