NORWICH – The start of every school year means more than just students beginning classes – it also means drivers will have to modify their routines.

“When summer starts a lot of people get into a summer driving habit. The nice weather and the open roads can get people going a little faster than they might otherwise drive. The start of school year is a good time to get out of those summer habits,” said New York State Trooper Sergeant Elizabeth R. Wonka, Station Commander at the Norwich Troop C barracks.

The State Police are supporting the New York State Automobile Association’s annual “School’s Open, Drive Carefully” safety campaign. The police will be strictly enforcing school traffic safety and have marked their patrol vehicles with stickers promoting the campaign.

“As summer season comes to an end, thousands of children will be boarding buses and walking to and from school, some of them for the first time. Everyone who drives has a responsibility to be especially careful during this busy time,” said Sergeant Wonka.