Page 15 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – September/October 2022

SAFETY ZONE
School’s Open – Drive Carefully
AAA wants to make sure the roads are safe as kids head back to school. AAA, along with law enforcement and state leaders, kicked off its annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign. Distracted driving is still at an all-time high.
HERE ARE SOME BASIC SAFETY TIPS TO FOLLOW FOR DRIVERS:
Yield to pedestrians.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks.
Always look for pedestrians.
Especially before turning at a green light or making a right on red.
Do not block crosswalks when stopping at intersections.
Pedestrians need a safe place to cross.
Stay alert.
Put down the cell phone. Distracted driving is dangerous. Give driving your full attention.
Slow down and obey the posted speed limit signs,
especially around schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods. Children may dart out in front of you. Expect the unexpected.
Be careful when passing stopped vehicles.
They may be stopped to let a pedestrian cross.
Share the road.
It’s your responsibility to look out for others.
HERE ARE TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS: Be bright at dawn, dusk and night.
Carry a flashlight and wear something reflective.
Make eye contact and raise your hand when crossing.
Stay alert.
Put down the cell phone. Don’t cover both ears with earbuds or headphones. Distracted walking is dangerous. Use your eyes and ears.
Use sidewalks when you can.
No sidewalk? Always walk on the left, facing traffic.
Cross at intersections or crosswalks.
Cars might not see you mid-block.
Obey the traffic signals.
Cross on “WALK” or when the traffic light is red for the oncoming traffic.
Stop, look and listen.
Look left, right and left again. Listen for cars and bicyclists.
Watch for vehicles that are turning left or right where you are crossing.
Pedestrians have the right of way, but be careful. Drivers don’t always follow the rules or see you.
The campaign was launched 76 years ago to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Visit AAA.com/Safety for more safety tips and info.
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