School is opening, and no matter if it is traditional, hybrid or virtual, traffic safety is of utmost importance. In this unprecedented year, with each school district evaluating the best way to operate their districts and classrooms, one constant remains, be extra vigilant on the roads. With more students studying from home in virtual classrooms, that means children are apt to be outside throughout the day – drivers can’t expect that kids will be in a classroom all day and motorists should keep a keen eye out for youngsters.

AAA has realized the importance of protecting young students for generations. Launched in 1946, AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully awareness campaign was created as a way to help reduce child pedestrian fatalities and injuries. This year, AAA is also reminding students and families that School’s Open – Stay Well, since personal hygiene and safety are extremely important amid the pandemic. 

Here are several recommendations from AAA regarding ways drivers can help to keep kids safe:
 

• Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian Boy Walking on School CrossWalk struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
• Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
• Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone or eating while driving, for example.
• Reverse responsibly. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children on the sidewalk, in the driveway and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children to never play in, under or around vehicles.
• Watch for bicycles. Children on bikes are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride. Find videos, expert advice and safety tips at ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.
• Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get evidence-based guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com

Access AAA's traffic safety resources, courses, and learn about our safety initiatives by visiting:

NEWS & SAFETY