Postal employees are professional drivers who visit your neighborhood every day. As our community's young people return to school, the employees of the Auburn, N.Y. Post Office remind you that we can keep their journey on our roadways safe by exercising defensive driving every day.

€ Be aware of children approaching crosswalks, school buses or other groups of kids. Observe safety lights on school buses and directions from crossing guards. According to New York State's Operation Safe Stop, an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day. We won't and we urge you not to either.

€ Note signs such as Slow, Children at Play and Watch for Children on highways and streets. They identify areas where children are known to gather. Some areas have reduced speed limits in effect during school hours.

€ Research shows that if a driver is unbuckled in a crash, children riding in that vehicle are unbuckled up to 70 percent of the time. Lead by example. Use your seat belt. We do. Make sure your children use either a seat belt or car seat approved for their age and size.

€ The Federal Highway Administration says the U. S. had 9.3 million fully licensed drivers age 16 to 19 in 2003, a number that grew seven percent in ten years. Be certain that new drivers in your household are ready for the responsibilities of the road. Be particularly attentive when driving near high schools, school-related events or campuses when new drivers are common. We are.

And, as fall yard work begins, leaves placed at the edge of a lawn can conceal driving hazards or even children at play. Keep areas around our approach to your mailbox clear of yard waste and other items at all times.

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, 75 million students of all ages are heading to school this fall. Let's deliver them home safely with smart driving.

John R. Moore

Auburn

Moore is the Auburn postmaster