New School Year Means Motorists Should Be Extra Cautious, Says AAA

As the end of summer approaches and the new school year begins, drivers need to
stay more alert for young pedestrians and bicyclists, according to AAA Southern New England.

“Motorists should always be aware of their surroundings, but especially around children,” said John Paul, AAA Southern New England Manager of Traffic Safety.

“Many youngsters have trouble making accurate judgments about traffic speed and distance. Drivers should take the time now to become more familiar with the location of schools in their area and start looking out for children walking or riding a bike to school.”

One-fifth of all children 14 years of age and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These pedestrian fatalities are more likely to happen in the afternoon hours, when school is letting out.

AAA’s annual School’s Open-Drive Carefully campaign encourages motorists to stay alert in areas where children are present, paying special attention during the morning and afternoon hours when children are coming to and from school. School-age children can be especially vulnerable in areas with heavy traffic volume, parked vehicles on the street, higher posted speed limits, and few pedestrian-control devices.

AAA offers drivers these tips to help keep children safe:
• Studies show that more than one-third of motorists in school zones just “roll through” intersections with a stop sign. Slow down in or near school and residential areas, and be sure to come to a complete stop in all intersections.
• Driving with your headlights on - even during the day – will help children and other drivers see you.
• Look for clues such as AAA School Safety Patrol members, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds which indicate children could be in the area.
• Drivers should scan between parked cars and other objects for children who may dart out into the street near school zones, playgrounds, bus stops, and in neighborhoods.
• Practice extra caution in adverse weather conditions.
• Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.
• Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students.

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School Safety Patrol

In 1921, former Woonsocket, R.I. Police Chief Frederick E. Coe implemented the AAA School Safety Patrol on the streets surrounding Woonsocket schools.  Mr. Coe is credited with being one of the first officials in the U.S. to pioneer the program. Today more than 175 schools in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and more than
50,000 schools worldwide participate in the program.  

Many local police departments collaborate with the schools in the community to help train and support patrollers and their adult advisors. AAA provides the belts, badges and necessary membership materials.  AAA supports the program further by honoring the AAA Patroller of the Year, an award given to one exemplary student patroller from each state, and the AAA Lifesaving Award to students who risk their lives to save the life of a fellow student.  The annual awards ceremony is held in Washington D.C. for these exceptional patrollers.

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