(ARA) - As winter approaches, darkness falls earlier and earlier. That means that children are coming home from school at dusk or in the dark, so motorists need to be especially alert for stopped school buses and kids crossing the road. Here are some important tips to remember.

* Never pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload students. Kids may be racing to catch the bus in the morning, and in the afternoon, they may be too engrossed in catching up with their friends to be alert for traffic when crossing the street. Motorists need to heed the bus's flashing red lights and extended stop arm, even if they don't see any children.

* Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles. This is not the time to speed up to pass a bus so you don't have to wait.

* Operation Lifesaver, a non profit group that works on rail safety education, reminds drivers that in most states, buses are required to come to a complete stop, open the bus door and look and listen for trains at railroad crossings. Motorists should be aware of this and slow down as well. It is unsafe and illegal to try to go around the bus to cross the tracks, as the bus may block the motorist's sight lines, preventing them from seeing an oncoming train.

On school mornings, drivers need to be alert for children heading to school even if no school bus is present. For example, when backing out of a driveway, look carefully for children who might be walking to the bus stop. As you drive through your neighborhood, watch for children walking in the street, or kids playing at the bus stop - if a ball goes rolling across the street, chances are there will be a child right behind it. Be alert and ready to stop.

Parents should also teach their children rules for riding the school bus safely:

* Get to the bus stop on time, so you won't have to dash across the road to catch the bus.

* When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.

*Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the road.

* When the bus is moving, always stay in your seat. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver. Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.

* When the school bus approaches a highway-rail grade crossing, be calm and quiet so your driver is able to listen for a train. Some drivers remind students by flashing overhead dome lights or briefly blowing a whistle. Obey your driver's instructions, so he or she can make safe decisions.

*Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

*If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus and make sure the driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing.

* When walking home, stay on the sidewalk. Cross only at crosswalks.

* If you have to cross train tracks on your way home, cross only where the road crosses the tracks. Cross only at a signal or when a gate is completely raised. Never go under or around the gate. If there is no gate or signal, have an adult or older student teach you how to cross safely. Look both ways, twice, and listen for the train. Never cross the tracks if you see a train, wait!

A few safety precautions for kids who ride the school bus and for cars that are sharing the road with school buses help keep everyone safe.

For more information on railroad crossing safety, visit Operation Lifesaver at www.oli.org.