Mount Sinai NY
9-02-2026 12:53pm

Back to School on Long Island: Students Return as Drivers Are Urged to Slow Down and Stay Alert

LONG ISLAND, NY — Classrooms across Long Island are filling up again as students begin a new school year, bringing school buses, crossing guards and children back to neighborhood streets throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

For families, the first days of school mean new teachers, new schedules, packed backpacks and the excitement — and sometimes nervousness — that comes with beginning another year.

For drivers, however, the return to school also brings an important responsibility: slowing down and paying closer attention.

With buses once again making frequent stops throughout Long Island communities, motorists should expect additional morning and afternoon traffic and be prepared for children entering or crossing roadways.

Drivers are required to stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights. That requirement applies to traffic approaching the bus from either direction, including on many divided roadways.

Motorists should also use extra caution near schools, bus stops, intersections and residential neighborhoods, particularly during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal hours.

Children can sometimes move unexpectedly into the roadway, especially when they are excited, distracted or rushing to catch a bus.

Parents can help by reminding children to wait for the bus in a safe location away from traffic, avoid distractions while crossing streets and never walk behind a school bus.

Students walking or biking to school should also remain alert, use designated crossings whenever possible and avoid assuming that a driver has seen them.

The beginning of a school year is an exciting milestone for thousands of Long Island families, but it also marks the return of one of the busiest periods on local roads.

A few extra seconds of patience behind the wheel can make an enormous difference.

As Long Island students head back into their classrooms, drivers throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties are being reminded of one simple priority:

Slow down. Put the phone away. Watch for children. Stop for school buses.

Every student deserves to arrive at school — and return home — safely.

Long Island Daily News wishes Long Island’s students, families, teachers, school staff and bus drivers a safe and successful 2026–2027 school year.

More News from Mount Sinai
I'm interested
I disagree with this
This is unverified
Spam
Offensive