AAA Gives Motorists 10 Easy Ways to Keep Kids Safe as They Return to School

AURORA, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
It`s back-to-school season across the U.S. with 56 million students expected to
enroll in kindergarten through high school classes at more than 98,000 schools
this year. That many students returning to school will mean increased congestion
on the roadways and the need for motorists to use extra caution.

Nearly one-fifth of traffic fatalities of children below the age of 15 are
pedestrians, with more school-age pedestrians killed between the hours of 3 p.m.
and 4 p.m. than any other time of day. As part of AAA`s annual School`s
Open-Drive Carefully campaign, AAA offers 10 key tips for motorists to help keep
kids safe as they return to school.

1
Slow Down. Two-thirds of motorists exceeded the posted speed limit
during the 30-minute period before and after school, according to a
2003 national observational survey. Whether in a school zone or
residential neighborhood, motorists should keep their speed low and be
prepared to stop quickly for increased vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
2
Obey Traffic Signs. Obeying traffic signs is something all motorists
should do no matter where they drive. However, a national
observational survey found that many motorists violated stop signs in
school zones and residential neighborhoods. Forty-five percent did not
come to a complete stop with 37 percent rolling through and seven
percent not even slowing down.
3
Stay Alert. Motorists should always avoid distractions while driving,
but it’s particularly important in school zones and residential
neighborhoods. Looking away from the roadway for just two seconds
doubles the chance of being involved in a crash. Avoid talking on
mobile phones, adjusting the radio or any other activities that might
take attention away from the roadway. Never text while driving.
4
Scan Between Parked Cars. Nearly 40 percent of child pedestrian
fatalities occurred in between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., mostly
at non-intersection locations. Children can quickly dart out between
parked cars or other objects along the roadway. Motorists should pay
close attention not only at intersections, but along any residential
roadways where children could be present.
5
Look for Clues of Children Nearby. Keep an eye out for clues that
children are likely nearby such as AAA School Safety Patrol members,
crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds.
6
Always Stop for School Buses. For 23 million students, the school day
begins and/or ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk they
face is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving it. Flashing
yellow lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop to load
or unload children, and motorists should slow down and prepare to
stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has
stopped, and children are getting on and off. Motorists are required
to stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing,
the extended stop sign is withdrawn and the bus begins moving before
they can start driving again.
7
Allot Extra Travel Time. Back to school often means increased
congestion and longer commute times. Motorists should allot extra
travel time when school is in session to avoid any temptation to speed
or disobey traffic laws in an effort to ‘catch up’ after being delayed.
8
Review Your Travel Route. Motorists should consider modifying their
travel route to avoid school zones and residential neighborhoods. A
slightly longer route might actually be quicker by avoiding congestion
and much lower speed limits in and around school zones.
9
Use Extra Caution in Bad Weather. Whether in rain, snow, fog or any
other inclement weather, motorists should use extra caution. Reduced
visibility can make it difficult for motorists to see children and
children to see vehicles. It also can make it difficult to perform
quick stops, if needed.
10
Use Headlights. Turning on the vehicle’s daytime running lights or
headlights—even during the day—so children and other drivers can see
them more easily. But, don’t forget to turn them off when you reach
your destination to maintain your battery life.

AAA Chicago has represented roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and
serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related
issues for more than a century.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago`s breadth of service including
AAA`s home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA`s
Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including
emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at www.AAA.com or call
us toll-free at 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).

Media Contact:
Nick Jarmusz, AAA Chicago
(630) 328-7235

Copyright Business Wire 2009