During the summer months, drivers tend to forget the school bus rules of the road once  buses begin to fill our local streets and roads.  Well, Wednesday marks the start of school for the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Corporation.  That means there will be buses filled with youngsters all around our roads every school day.

New laws enacted in the last Indiana legislative session toughen penalties for motorists violating laws related to school buses.  You can review the new law provisions from a WISH-TV story available at this link.

The Fishers Police Department is providing some tips for local motorists as school is set to start once again:

• Be prepared for a longer commute. School buses and teenage drivers will add to the traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons.

• Expect the unexpected. Watch for slowing or stopped traffic and the possibility of children darting out into the street.

• Be patient and observe the law when approaching or following a school bus.

• Be very aware of intersections where children are waiting for the bus.

• Be mindful of reduced speed limits in designated school zones.

• Police officers will provide increased patrols in neighborhoods and school zones. Officers in marked and unmarked police cars will be enforcing school bus stop arm violations and speeding in school zones.

• Residents should report suspicious activity and dangerous drivers by calling the Hamilton County Dispatch Center at 911 or 317-773-1282.