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.

“Soon millions of school aged children will be heading back to 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 need to get the message out to Western New York and Central New York about how important this part of the year is,” said Commissioner Mark Schroeder of the NYS DMV. “We have a program across the state called ‘No Empty Chair.’ It’s important to be safe so there’s no empty chair at the prom or at the graduation.”

Trooper James O’Callaghan, PIO with the New York State Police Troop A explained why it’s especially important to protect little ones, “Students in grades K-3 make up 39 percent of the school population, but they’re 69 percent of the fatalities when people pass a school bus.”

Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns suggested that parents and teenagers sign a “Safe Driving Pledge” provided by his office. “It reads: I will note send or receive text messages, tweet, speak on a cell phone, or use any distracting technology when driving,” he explained.

“Law enforcement agencies including the Erie County Sheriff's Office are watching for speeding and distracted driving,” said Chief Timothy Carney. “Put the cell phone down and give driving your full attention. Parents should be talking with their teen drivers about the threats distracted driving presents.”

In the City of Buffalo, school buses are now equipped with stop arm cameras for the first time. “These will be utilized to detect illegal passing in an effort to make our roads safer for our children,” said Chief Tommy Champion with the Buffalo Police Department, who noted that a grace period is now in effect, until September 30, to allow citizens adequate time to adjust to the camera technology. “Starting on October 1st, however, these summonses will be issued to the registered vehicle owners.”

Many children still walk or bike to school, and the Amherst Police Department is asking drivers to be on alert for them. “We all must demonstrate a little more patience and courtesy to pedestrians and other drivers,” said Captain Charles Persons. “Drivers should be observant of pedestrians and exercise caution when approaching them.”

Nicholas Filipowski, Executive Director of Communications at the Williamsville Central School District, which provided a bus for the press conference, wrapped up the event with an important message for all. “Community members, our parents and guardians, entrust us with their most precious cargo to get to and from school safely every day, so the more proactive we can be, the better to keep them safe on a daily basis,” he said.

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.