Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - AAA of Western and Central New York, in partnership with our local law enforcement, is once again reminding drivers to be extra cautious while driving as their annual "School's Open – Drive Carefully" campaign is currently underway.
"The AAA School's Open program has been launched nationally since 1946 to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities. 77 years later, it is more important than ever, with constant distractions that we have behind the wheel with our drivers, always in a rush. It's so important to get the message across to people to use caution as summer winds down and as the new school year gets underway," says Anthony Spada, President and CEO of Western and Central New York AAA.
"All drivers need to recognize the special safety needs of pedestrians and especially young children. Drivers are obligated to exercise great care and extreme caution near a school or a playground. Remember, children are often the least predictable and the most difficult to see."
Spada provides the following helpful reminders to prevent yourself and others from getting in a serious accident:
- Always stop for a school bus when the lights are flashing
- Remove all distractions from the driver – put cell phones down
- Do not pass other vehicles
- Obey crossing guards at all times
- Check your mirrors before moving
- Teach your children the rules of traffic safety
New York State Trooper James O'Callaghan and Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns stress the importance of being cautious around school buses.
"As children across Erie County start heading back to school, many for the first time, the big 'yellow school buses' will once again dot our roadways. I want to remind motorists to not drive distracted, follow the 'rules of the road' in school zones and be alert for children approaching or exiting school buses," said Kearns. "If we all exercise a little extra care and stop when a school bus flashes its red lights, drivers and students can co-exist and together, we will all enjoy the new school year safely."
"Every year, we have people passing buses – you're talking five points, $250 to $1,000 fine," explained O'Callaghan "But the reality is, you could kill or hurt someone in this community by passing that school bus, and it's scary as a parent."
Erie County Undersheriff William Cooley advises to not text and drive, the sheriff's department is staying extra vigilant this season.
"While driving in school zones, distracted driving has historically been higher during the back to school period. An estimated 50,000 motorists illegally pass stopped school buses at any given school day in this country. As a tragic consequence, distracted driving results in an average of nine deaths every day. That's over 3100 deaths annually, with an additional 324,000 people injured in these types of accidents. There is absolutely no reason for any driver to blatantly disregard the safety of the children of Erie County."
AAA also spoke on Labor Day travel this week, you can hear more details in the player above.
