School safety tips

The beginning of school is right around the corner and Koochiching County Sheriff Brian Youso is advising motorists to drive with caution.
Youso wants to remind drivers to watch for buses and children. If the flashing lights are on, drivers must stop. Passing a bus with its stop arm out is a gross misdemeanor, Youso said.
Parents should ensure that their children understand the route to the bus stop or to school if they walk. Youso suggests that parents practice walking the route with their children.
Children should also make sure that drivers can see them while they are waiting for the bus, Youso said. Students walking to school should also use the crosswalks.
Parents should remind their children to behave while on the bus so the bus driver can concentrate on the road, he said. Parents should buckle their children in when transporting them to school, he said.
Parents should also tell their children to not talk to strangers, Youso said. If someone tries to stop the child to talk to them, parents should tell the child to walk or run away and to scream for help if the person tries to grab the child, he said.