County Legislator Vincent Muscarella (R-West Hempstead) and Legislator John Ciotti are urging residents to remember that our children are returning to school and to drive carefully as our neighborhoods will once again become busy with children walking or bicycling to school.

"I urge residents to use caution as our children are now returning to school to begin the new school year," said Legislator Muscarella. "I urge residents to heed the following advice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)," said Legislator Ciotti.

NHTSA urges the following:

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

* When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.

* Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, for children playing or waiting at bus stops.

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

* New York State Law requires motorists in both directions to stop when the bus lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.