Back-to-School tips from NY State Police

School's around the corner and the New York State Police urges parents teach simple safety tips to their kids.

"Very soon, thousands of children will be walking to and from school and school buses - many for the first time," said Major Michael Kopy. "Everyone who drives has a responsibility to be especially careful during this busy time for youngsters."

The chief added that hundreds of children are killed every year from vehicle collisions and thousands are severly inured because kids are excited to see their old friends and new teachers and often forget to watch for traffic.

With more than 1.5 million members in several New York counties including Rockland, AAA New York provides automotive, travel and financial services. Kopy has six pedestrian-safety tips from AAA New York:

1. Look all ways before crossing the street.
2. Cross only at corners.
3. Obey police officers, school crossing guards, members of AAA School Safety Patrols, and traffic signals.
4. Watch for turning cars.
5. Be especially alert in bad weather.
6. Play away from traffic.