Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace is reminding families to take simple precautions to ensure the safety of their students as the 2025-2026 school year gets underway.
As regular bus routes resume and traffic patterns change, parents are encouraged to discuss safety practices with their children to keep them out of harm’s way. Motorists are reminded to take special care when driving in or near school zones.
Here are some tips for staying safe on the road:
- Drive cautiously near school zones and obey all signage; don’t text and drive.
- Ensure students are standing six feet from the curb when waiting for the bus in the morning.
- Do not pass school buses when the “stop” arm is deployed.
The new school year is also an opportune time for parents to discuss various issues their students may encounter at school, such as drugs and bullying.
Here are some suggestions for broaching these subjects with your children:
- Be proactive in discussing issues such as cyberbullying and harassment with your child.
- Review your child’s medical needs, including allergies, with your school in advance. Ensure that the nurse has a supply of your child’s medication on hand.
- One pill can kill. Talk to your child about avoiding illegal substances.
- Take an active role in your child’s social media presence. Monitor their phone usage to encourage healthy habits.
DA Cacace said: “Our children are our most precious resource, and we must take every precaution to ensure they remain safe at school. I hope these tips provide a helpful springboard for parents to begin having tough but necessary conversations with their children about school safety.”
