(KNZA)--With school ready to start, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is offering a few basic tips to make sure the new school year starts safely.

With a lot more kids on the streets walking to school or riding bicycles, he says motorists need to take extra time to watch out for them, especially near school zones.

Merchant says many of the kids are very anxious to get back to school and they may not be as cautious as they should be when crossing streets, so be alert for them.

Also, buses will be throughout the county picking up children. He says make sure to give them plenty of room and honor their stop sign when extended. 

Merchant says his department has a “zero tolerance policy” when it comes to running a school bus stop sign. If you choose to ignore the sign, he says you will be issued a citation. 

In addition, Merchant says remember to buckle up when driving or riding in a vehicle.