NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, August 6 2007 – Over the next few weeks, school students will be returning to classrooms all across Oklahoma. Some school districts start back as early as this week.

“School crosswalks that have been empty all summer will suddenly be full of excited, laughing, running students, keyed up about returning to school,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “For many, traffic will be the last thing on their minds.”

AAA encourages motorists to:

• Be aware of when school starts for the fall term;
• Slow down around schools. Fines for speeding in a school zone can be quite stiff;
• Watch for signs of children near roads, such as the presence of toys and bicycles;
• Be especially watchful for children darting into streets from between parked cars;
• Remember that just because you see a child, it doesn’t mean he or she sees you;
• Consider using routes which do not run through school zones;
• Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students;
• Keep your eyes moving, get the big picture and expect the unexpected.

“Children are impulsive by nature,” said Mai. “Add the excitement of seeing their friends again plus starting new classes with new teachers, and you have the potential for very risky traffic situations. It’s up to adult drivers to lower that risk.”

For a free “School’s Open–Drive Carefully” bumper sticker, stop by any AAA Oklahoma office.