Page 5 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – September/October 2021

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Stop on Red ... Kids Ahead
Nearly one-fifth of traffic fatalities of children below the age of 15 are pedestrians, with more school-age pedestrians killed between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. than any other time of day. As part of AAA’s annual School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign, AAA offers 10 key tips for motorists to help keep kids stay safe as they return to school.
1. Slow Down. Two-thirds of motorists exceeded the posted speed limit during the 30-minute period before and after school, according to a 2009 national observational survey. Whether in a school zone or residential neighborhood, motorists should keep their speed low and be prepared to stop quickly for increased vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
2. Obey Traffic Signs. Obeying traffic signs is something all motorists should do no matter where they drive. Unfortunately, many motorists violate stop signs in school zones and residential neighborhoods—many failing to come to a complete stop, rolling through a stop sign, or not slowing down at all!
3. Stay Alert. Motorists should always avoid distractions while driving, but it’s particularly important in school zones and residential neighborhoods. Looking away from the roadway for just two seconds doubles the chance of being involved in a crash. The car is for driving, not multi-tasking. Avoid talking on mobile phones, adjusting the radio, eating, personal grooming or any other activity that might take attention away from the roadway. And here at AAA, we cannot stress it enough – NEVER text while driving!
4. Scan Between Parked Cars. Children can quickly dart
out between parked cars or other objects along the roadway. Motorists should pay close attention not only at intersections, but along any residential roadways where children could be present.
5. Look for Clues of Children Nearby. Keep an eye out for clues that children are likely nearby such as AAA School Safety Patrol members, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds.
6. Always Stop for School Buses. For 23 million students, the school day begins and/or ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk they face is not riding the bus but approaching or leaving it. Flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop to load or unload children, and motorists should 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. Motorists are required to stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
7. Allot Extra Travel Time. Back to school often means increased congestion and longer commute times. Mornings can be especially stressful. Motorists should allot extra travel time when school is in session to avoid any temptation to speed or disobey traffic laws to “catch up” after being delayed.
8. Review Your Travel Route. Motorists can consider modifying their travel route to avoid school zones and residential neighborhoods. A slightly longer route might be quicker by avoiding congestion and much lower speed limits in and around school zones.
9. Use Extra Caution in Bad Weather. Whether in rain, snow, fog or any other inclement weather, motorists should 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.
10. Use Headlights. Turn on the vehicle’s daytime running lights or headlights – even during the day – so children and other drivers can see them more easily. Do not forget to turn them off when you reach your destination to maintain your battery life.
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