Bus drivers in the Eanes school district distributed flashing safety lights to all elementary-school-age morning riders last week.

The lights fasten to backpacks and make students who start their day earlier than secondary students much more visible en route to and waiting at bus stops before daylight.

Approximately 1,700 students received the safety lights in this collaborative project between the Eanes Transportation Department and Office of Safety and Risk Management. The lights were funded with money provided through from the Texas Association of School Boards Innovative Grant.

Parents should attach the light to the front strap of a student’s backpack and turn it on when the student leaves home for the bus stop. When students board the bus, drivers will remind them to turn off safety lights.

Eanes officials have been publicizing a “Be Safe, Be Seen” campaign this fall to increase safety awareness for early morning bus riders.

Other suggestions include wearing light-colored clothing, standing in groups at stops, staying at least 10 feet from the roadway until the bus stops completely, and using backpacks with reflective material.