In light of two accidents — count ‘em, two — on the first day of school involving school buses, we felt it would be good timing to remind motorists to be kind and drive even more carefully, if possible, when those big yellow buses are around. For they hold the most precious cargo of all — our children. Think of those buses as moving investments of our future, carrying students to and from the institutions that will prepare and educate them for the coming years. The vehicles should be treated with the utmost respect and care as they shuttle our society’s future through our communities.

Though neither accident resulted in any injuries of students, two drivers were taken to Harrison Hospital for different medical needs, one causing the accident, it is still a strong reminder an accident with a bus carrying students leaves all involved gasping for air in an attempt to calm down. Any car accident is a shock, but one involving children raises the stakes even higher, and is something everyone should make every effort to avoid.

Area motorists should keep that image in mind when driving near a school bus, and be sure to adhere to that big, red stop sign it extends before unloading students. Drivers should also be careful when making their way to work in the morning and watch for those children waiting alongside the roadways for their rides to school.

It is easy to get caught up in the feeling of being late to work, forgetting to check shoulders and shallow driveways for the indistinct shadows that mean children are there. It is also easy to tail a bus when feeling panicked about missing that key ferry or running late to an important meeting. Try to remember, during those times, the children riding inside those buses could be your own.

As the mornings continue to darken and winter months descend, be careful and drive safe.