Sept. 2 is the first day of the 2015-2016 school year in Federal Way. The Federal Way Police Department reminds all drivers, students and parents to put safety first in school zones and near bus stops.

Students travel to school by a variety of means: school bus, walking, bikes, public transportation or in vehicles with family or friends. It is everyone’s responsibility to use caution and stay focused and alert around traffic to ensure the safety of children.

“As a community we share a responsibility for the safety of our school children,” Police Chief Andy Hwang said. “As the start of school year approaches, we want to remind drivers to exercise caution and obey school zone speed limits as speed makes a huge difference in preventing accidents.”

Mayor Jim Ferrell also emphasized the importance of safety.

“Keeping our children safe as they head back to school is of paramount importance,” Ferrell said. “We all have a role and responsibility to be alert and watch out for pedestrians and our kids as the school year begins.”

The Federal Way Police Department asks everyone to refresh their knowledge regarding school-related safety tips. Please discuss these tips with all members of the family.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, 29 percent of pedestrian-related fatalities happen in the fall, the most dangerous time for pedestrians:

• Respect the bus. Yield when bus drivers are attempting to merge, and maintain a significant distance behind them, as they often make unexpected stops. Make sure children know to walk in front of buses.

• Stay three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb when waiting for the bus, and when the school bus arrives, wait until the driver says to board.

• Quickly board the school bus, find a seat, sit facing the front, and do what the school bus driver and safety patrols say to do.

• Getting off the bus, cross in front at least five giant steps (10 feet) away and look left-right-left for traffic. Wait for the driver to signal it is safe to cross.

• Get in the zone. Speed limits in school zones are 20 mph. Abide by the limits and look out for pedestrians, keeping your foot on the brake. • Obey signs, signals, and crossing guards in school zones.

• Slow down especially with children walking/biking to school and around bus stops and in low light or bad weather.

• Drive focused and alert at all times. Avoid use of electronic devises and other distracting behaviors while driving.

• Walk smart. A major driving hazard is pedestrians who jaywalk, cross at a red light or text while walking, according to the police department. Remember to be a good pedestrian, cross at corners/marked crosswalks and in clear view, never between parked cars. Remind your kids to do the same.

• Walk with someone. Walk on the sidewalk if there is one, or walk facing traffic as close to the edge as possible. Walk focused and alert. Never use electronics when crossing the street.

• Cross at a corner, in a crosswalk, or with a pedestrian WALK signal.

• Stop and look left-right-left for all traffic, including bicycles, before crossing. Cross only when it is clear.

• Wear bright colors and/or use lights or reflective gear to be more visible to motorists.

• If you’re part of a carpool it’s up to you to remind your children/passengers that seatbelts are a must – no matter who they are driving with. Not only are seatbelts the law, they save thousands of lives each year.

• Follow designated school drop-off protocols. • Backpacks OFF, seatbelts ON and sit in the backseat.

• Bike safety. Biking to and from school is safer when children and adults: • Wear a properly fit helmet — every ride, wear bright colors and/or use lights or reflective wear to be more visible to motorists.

• Have a good grasp of traffic safety rules including riding in the same direction as traffic and stopping at all stop signs and signals.

• Choose safe routes, such as streets with lower traffic volume and speed.

• Ride focused and alert — never use electronics or both ear buds while riding. Finally, distracted driving unfortunately didn’t end with the summer. The national report “Distracted Drivers in School Zones” offers sobering statistics about the effects; police urge drivers to put down their cell phone while in the car.

Back to school is an exciting time for families and police urge the community to make safety a priority.