As children return to school this week in Cayuga County school districts, the Sheriff's Office asks parents to talk with their children about traffic safety. The office also reminds motorists to be aware of stopping school buses, school speed zones and crossing guards.

The sheriff's office recommends parents rehearse the back-to-school routine to ready children for safety when getting on and off school buses. Rehearse the morning routine beforehand, including: getting up, getting dressed, having breakfast, collecting backpacks and walking to the bus stop, Sheriff Rob Outhouse said in a release.

Children should be dressed in bright and contrasting colors. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Children should walk, not run, to the bus stop. Children should be reminded to look to the left, then the right and the left again before crossing roads.

Stand back from the road 15 to 20 feet. That translates into at least five adult steps and eight to 10 child's steps. Children should wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver signals them to board.

Commuters should be observant, especially during the first week of school. Yellow caution lights mean a bus is preparing to stop and red flashing lights mean traffic in all directions must stop as the bus stops.