CAUTION: BUSY SCHOOL ZONES AROUND THE CORNER

NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, August 10 – Crosswalks full of children are coming soon to a school near you. Over the next two weeks, most schools will resume classes in Oklahoma, some as soon as this week.

Nationwide, nearly one-fifth of children below the age of 15 who are killed in traffic collisions are pedestrians. More school-age pedestrians are killed between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. than during any other time of the day.

As part of AAA’s annual School’s Open—Drive Carefully campaign, AAA offers 10 key tips for motorists to help keep kids safe as they return to school.

• Slow Down. Two-thirds of motorists exceeded the posted speed limit during the 30-minute period before and after school, according to a 2003 national observational survey. Whether in a school zone or residential neighborhood, keep your speed low and be prepared to stop quickly for increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

• Obey Traffic Signs. A national observational survey found that many motorists violated stop signs in school zones and residential neighborhoods. Forty-five percent did not come to a complete stop with 37 percent rolling through and seven percent not even slowing down.

• Stay Alert. Avoid distractions while driving, especially in school zones and residential neighborhoods. Looking away from the roadway for just two seconds doubles the chance of being involved in a crash. Avoid talking on mobile phones, adjusting the radio or any other activity that might take your attention away from the roadway. Never text while driving.

• Scan Between Parked Cars. Nearly 40 percent of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., mostly at non-intersection locations. Children can quickly dart out between parked cars or other objects along the roadway. Pay close attention not only at intersections, but along any residential roadways where children could be present.

• Look for Clues of Children Nearby. Keep an eye out for clues that children are likely nearby, such as the presence of AAA School Safety Patrol members, crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds.

• Always Stop for School Buses. The greatest risk children who ride school buses face is not riding the bus, but approaching and leaving it. Flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop to load or unload children, and motorists need to slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on and off. You are required to stop your vehicle and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn and the bus begins moving before you can start driving again.

• Allow Extra Travel Time. Back to school often means increased congestion and longer commute times. Allow extra travel time when school is in session to avoid any temptation to speed or disobey traffic laws in an effort to “catch up” after being delayed.

• Review Your Travel Route. Consider modifying your travel route to avoid school zones and residential neighborhoods. A slightly longer route might actually be quicker by allowing you to avoid congestion and lower speed limits found in and around school zones.

• Use Extra Caution in Bad Weather. Whether in rain, snow, fog or any other inclement weather, use extra caution. Reduced visibility can make it difficult for motorists to see children and children to see vehicles. It also can make it difficult to perform quick stops, if needed.

• Use Headlights. Turn on your vehicle’s daytime running lights or headlights – even during the day – so children and other drivers can see you more easily. But don’t forget to turn them off when you reach your destination to maintain your battery life.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members (328,000 in Oklahoma) with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA Oklahoma can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.