NORWICH – Wednesday marks the first day of the new school year, and while children and parents may be excited and eager, the Norwich Police Department offers tips to the public to ensure the safety of all.

According to the NPD, hundreds of children will likely be walking to school, walking to bus stops and waiting at bus stops.

Motorists and parents should remain alert at all times while operating vehicles.

Norwich Police said that motorists need to allow for more time to get to work, due to the extra pedestrians and the frequent stops of the numerous school buses.

“The early morning combination of young children on the streets and motorists hurrying to work has potential for tragedy,” said the Norwich Police.

Many students in the Norwich City School District ride a bus to school. According to the NPD, each year the police are called to groups of students waiting at bus stops.

It is important to note, and tell children, that the bus stop is not a place to play. “When students ‘horse around’ at a bus stop, it is very easy for them to get distracted, move into the street, and get struck by a car,” said the police.