It’s like a ghost town at home today. All 3 girls are back in school and Caron is at work… that leaves me with just Bridget (pet dog). And unless someone knocks on the door, that dog is quiet as a mouse.

Commuters (suckers who drive in to work) with this being the first day of school after the long summer vacation, please be aware of the children on our streets today.

• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.

• Slow down in neighborhoods and watch for children playing and congregating at bus stops.

• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

• Be aware of red flashing lights on a school bus. This indicates the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended arm is withdrawn and the bus begins moving. It is against the law to pass a school bus when the red flashing lights are activated. A violation is subject to a $570 fine and three points.

• Slow down in school zones and residential areas and always come to a complete stop in all intersections.

• Drive with your headlights on, even during the day, so that children, pedestrians and other drivers can see you.

• Use extra caution during adverse weather conditions.

• Look for clues that children are in the area, such as school buses, crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds. Visually scan ahead to spot children who may run into the road. Especially be aware of areas such as parked cars or other places where children might hide.

• Resist distractions that divert your eyes from the road, especially in school zones and at bus stops.

Here are a few tips for parents and us work from home types …

• Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or bookbag so they won’t drop anything while getting on or off the bus.

• Have your children wear bright colors so they will be more easily seen by drivers.

• Make sure your children leave home on time so they can be at the bus stop before the bus arrives.

And finally, kids..

• Stand at least six feet away from the curb at the bus stop.

• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver says it’s OK for you to board the bus.

• Be careful that clothing and bookbags don’t get caught on the handrail or door.

• If you must cross the road to enter the bus, walk in front of the bus, not behind it.

• After you get on the bus, take your seat and face forward.

• Do not distract the bus driver.

• Do not stand in the aisles or place anything in the aisles.

• Speak in low voices.

• Never stick anything out the window.

• Watch for traffic as you get on and off the bus.

PLEASE be cautious!