With schools back in session all across the Westside, now is the time for motorists to be reminded of some important rules of the road to keep everyone safe.

August is Drive Smart for Back to School month. Drivers should remember these safety standards:

• Slow down and follow the speed limit.

• Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students.

• Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.

• Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a righthand turn.

• For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when permissible and available, and crossing at marked crosswalks with stop signs or signals.

• If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, drivers need to stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.