AAA Western and Central New York, along with law enforcement, has kicked off its annual “School’s Open, Drive Carefully” campaign as back-to-school season gets underway. With school buses back on the roads, commuters should give themselves extra time and be prepared for bus traffic. Motorists should also be cognizant of less-experienced student drivers returning to high school and college.
AAA’s School’s Open, Drive Carefully campaign was launched nationally in 1946 to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Now, 78 years later, AAA clubs across the country continue to promote the campaign annually to remind motorists to watch out for children as they travel to and from school.
Milions of school-aged children are now back in school. “It’s an exciting time, and unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous on our roads,” said AAA Western and Central New York President & CEO Tony Spada. “We are gathered here with our community partners to remind all drivers that it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect our precious students.”
“We will write tickets. We will hold you accountable if you’re passing a school bus or speeding in a school zone,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter. “We don’t want to have to do that. Instead, think about where you’re driving and who might be around you when you’re driving, and it will keep all of us much safer.”
“Give extra space when it comes to school buses and let them do their job, and avoid distractions,” said New York State Trooper Jason Klewicki, with the Troop E School and Community Outreach Unit. “Anything that is going to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off the road is a dangerous thing. So put the cell phone away and leave extra time to get to your destination safely.”
As children go back to school, AAA encourages drivers to take extra care around school buses and driving in residential areas. Here are some helpful reminders:
•Always stop for a school bus when the lights are flashing
•Slow down
•Remove all distractions from the driver – put cell phones down
•Do not pass other vehicles
•Obey crossing guards at all times
•Expect the unexpected
•Check you mirrors before moving
•Teach your children the rules of traffic safety
For more information on traffic safety, visit http://www.AAA.com/TrafficSafety.
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