BEND, OR -- The new school year is just a few weeks away and Bend Police want drivers thinking now about the change in traffic patterns. "When school starts, that means school zones are back in, and our officers will be out patrolling those school zones," says Bend PD's Sheila Miller. In Bend, there are three types of zones where drivers must slow to 20 miles per hour, "We have the flashing yellow lights that got added a couple years ago, so that's for little portions of the day where you need to slow to 20. Then we have the ones that say, 'when children are present' and you'd better be able to figure that out on your own. And then, there's also those ones that run from 7-5, typically and it's during those hours you need to slow to 20."

Miller urges drivers to also be ready for an increase in walkers, bikers and even scooter riders, especially around schools, "We really ask drivers - you shouldn't need another excuse but put your phone down, look around you and be an active participant in your drive."

And, for those kids who do manage their own transportation to know they bear some responsibility for their own safety, "Make sure they understand crosswalk safety, that they're wearing their helmets, all of that good stuff. Also good to remember that Bend-La Pine Schools did ban e-bikes and e-scooters for anyone under the age of 16." That means e-scooters are not allowed at any elementary or middle schools. 

Traffic safety isn't Miller's only back-to-school concern, "When school starts, kids are often spending a lot more time on the internet, and so it's a really good time to talk to your kids about internet safety and about the rules around tech in your home and what the expectations are, just to keep kids safe on the internet."

Parents posting first day photos on social media are also urged not to give away too much identifiable information, like the student's age, school and teachers. It all can be used by criminals for what Miller calls unsavory purposes, "We love to see your pictures, we want to see your first day photos. But be protective of your kids' information."