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.

“All drivers need to recognize the special safety needs of pedestrians and especially young children,” said Tony Spada, President and CEO at AAA Western and Central New York. “Drivers are obligated to exercise great care and extreme caution near a school or playground. Children are often the least predictable and the most difficult to see.”

The New York State Police and the Erie County Clerk’s office are reminding motorists to respect school buses. “As children across Erie County start heading back to school, many for the first time, the big ‘yellow school buses’ will once again dot our roadways. I want to remind motorists to not drive distracted, follow the ‘rules of the road’ in school zones and be alert for children approaching or exiting school buses,” stated Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns. “If we all exercise a little extra care and stop when a school bus flashes its red lights, drivers and students can co-exist and together, we will all enjoy the new school year safely.”

“Every year, we have people passing buses – you’re talking five points, $250 to $1,000 fine,” explained Trooper James O’Callaghan of the NYS Police, Troop A. “But the reality is, you could kill or hurt someone in this community by passing that school bus, and it’s scary as a parent.”

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office advises drivers to put their phones down. “In addition to moving violations, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office will be vigilant in the enforcement of distracted driving. Distracted driving is a major issue on the roadways of Erie County and is a constant contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents,” said Erie County Undersheriff William Cooley. “The use of cellphones and other electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle in the State of New York is illegal and will be strictly enforced when observed by Deputies conducting traffic enforcement.”

With so many children walking to school in the city, Captain Marcus Rogowski, from the Buffalo Police Department, warned motorists to be aware of pedestrians. “For drivers that means being more alert, being conscious and aware that students and their parents will be along roadways waiting at bus stops and crossing city streets,” he said.

As children go back to school, AAA offers 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.