Islanders by this time of year have become accustomed to the early-morning sight of yellow buses rolling over Island roads that stop with brightly flashing lights to collect their precious cargo: clusters of children standing at the end of long dirt roads with books, backpacks and iPods, their hair still wet from the shower.

The public school year comes to an end this week, several days later than usual due to a significant number of snow days this winter.

Suddenly Vineyard children will be on the loose, free to go fishing at the Mill Pond in West Tisbury, race bikes along the path to Katama in Edgartown, practice their flips at the skate park in Oak Bluffs and hang out in parks downtown.

This combined with the annual infusion of confused tourists creates new hazards, and motorists are advised to take extra caution.

School’s out for summer; slow down please and watch out for children.