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 students 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, 77 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.

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average, a pedestrian is killed every two hours in the United States,” said AAA WCNY Communications Specialist Mark Gruba. “Soon millions of school-aged children will be heading back to school eager to learn. It’s the responsibility of every driver to protect these precious students.”

“The State Police are pleased to be here to support the men and women who transport our children to and from school,” said New York State Trooper Jason Klewicki, with the Troop E School and Community Outreach Unit. “We are asking drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel and have patience behind school buses so that students can get on and off the bus safely.”

"I’d like to thank AAA and all of our media partners for helping spread this extremely important information,” said Deputy Brendan Hurley, Public Information Officer for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.  “We have details set up to follow school buses, especially in the first few weeks, to make sure that everybody is obeying the law. But more importantly, this is about the lives of children. Have your eyes on the road, pay attention, and be responsible.”

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 www.AAA.com/TrafficSafety.