As a new school year kicks off, it is important to remember to stay safe — whether students are boarding the bus or at school.

Here are some important safety tips from Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten to help keep students safe and secure as they embark on a new year of learning.

School bus safety

Every day, millions of students take school buses to and from school. Although buses are the safest form of highway transportation, there are a number of safety factors of which both students and drivers should be aware. Auten encourages caution whenever school buses are on the roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in recent years there were an average of 131 fatalities in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year. More school-age pedestrians have been killed during the hours of 7 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. than at any other time of day.

“Children are often eager to get off the school bus because they are excited to tell their parents about all of the fun they had at school that day,” said Auten. “It is crucial that parents reinforce the school bus safety rules children learn at school.”

Auten suggests that parents drive their child’s bus route with the child to practice proper safety precautions to help ensure the child enjoys a safe ride to and from school.

Auten encourages parents to discuss the following safety measures with their children:

• Students should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.

• While the bus is approaching, make sure students stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens and the bus driver says that it is OK to board.

• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he sees you.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.

• Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.

• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven away to avoid not being seen by the driver.

Tips for motorists:

• Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Use caution when traveling in a school zone.

• If there are no sidewalks, be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.

• Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.

• Never pass a school bus when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. These are signs that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorists must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

• Learn and obey the school bus laws in North Carolina.

Advice for students walking to and from school

• While walking, remember to always travel with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency.

• A stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well.

• You or your friend must never take candy, money, medicine or anything else from a stranger.

• If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don’t get close to the car; you could get pulled in. Never get in the car.

• Strangers can be very tricky. They can ask you to walk with them to “show” them something; they can offer to pay for your video game, or ask you to help them find a lost dog or cat. Don’t be fooled.

• Don’t tell anyone your name or address when you are walking. Don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you; they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or T-shirt.

• If you think you’re in danger, yell and run to the nearest store or “safe house” or back to school.

• Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.

College campus safety tips

• Never post information about your whereabouts on your dorm room doo, or on social media. If an intruder knows that you are away, it’s an open invitation for him to break in.

• Even if leaving your room for only a few minutes, lock your door.

• When studying in out-of-the way places, inform campus security as to your whereabouts.

• When meeting a study partner for the first time, make arrangements to meet in a public place.

• Encourage campus security to establish a photo identification program to deter outsiders from entering school buildings.

• Work with your local law enforcement agencies to organize a safety education program to teach incoming students the do’s and don’ts of campus safety.

• Familiarize yourself with emergency call box locations.

• Learn to trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out of it. Don’t allow anyone to violate your comfort zone.