For many districts, school is back in session in Michigan. With the return to school comes the task of watching out for kids walking, biking and waiting for school buses.
AAA of Michigan is warning drivers to be especially vigilant before and after school.
Experts say the start of the school year can be particularly challenging for parents due to new routines and increased traffic. This is just one reason behind AAA’s annual statewide “School’s Open-Drive Carefully” campaign that just kicked off.
“This campaign was launched in 1946 and it’s an awareness campaign created as a way to help reduce child pedestrian fatalities and injuries.”
That’s Adrienne Woodland, Spokesperson for AAA. Their report shows the afternoon hours are particularly dangerous, over the last decade, nearly one in four child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 pm. Woodland offers several tips for drivers to help keep kids safe.
“First and foremost, slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster… and eliminate distractions.”
Woodland says research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly. Some ways to reduce risk include not using your cell phone or eating while driving.
Coming to a complete stop and watching out for bicycles are a couple of other recommendations. Woodland says more safe driving tips can be found at AAA.Com.
