AAA Urges Motorists to Use Caution as Kids Head Back to School

(KFOR NEWS  August 8, 2019)  As thousands of students across Nebraska get ready to start the 2019-2020 school year, AAA reminds motorists to be aware of increased child pedestrian activity and traffic congestion in and around neighborhoods and school zones.

“AAA urges drivers to allow extra time for their morning commute, use extreme caution when driving through neighborhoods or school zones where children are present, and always avoid distractions that take your mind and eyes off of the roadway,” said Rose White, public affairs director for AAA-The Auto Club Group.

AAA also wants to remind motorists about the importance of respecting school bus operators and the precious cargo they are transporting.

“It may be tempting to drive around a stopped school bus, but not only is it dangerous, it’s against the law.  In Nebraska, not stopping when approaching or overtaking a school bus which has its stop lights on and the stop arm extended is unlawful and could result in a hefty fine.  The only exception occurs when approaching a school bus in the opposite direction on a roadway divided by a median, “White stated.

AAA offers other helpful tips to keep children safe this school year:

Plan ahead. Leave early for your destination and build in extra time anticipating there will be traffic congestion near school zones.  If needed, consider modifying your route.

Backing up.  The dangers of the morning commute begin the moment motorists start backing out of driveways.  Always look for children and be aware that some young pedestrians may be small enough to be hidden in vehicle blind spots. This is especially true for those driving vans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks.

Follow the speed limit.  School zone speed limits are purposefully set low.  Children are unpredictable and may have difficulty gauging the distance and speed of an approaching car.  Be alert to variable speed signs that post lower limits during certain hours when children are typically present.  In Nebraska, fines for speeding are doubled in school zones.

Buckle Up!  Parents and carpoolers who drive children to/from school are reminded to use the proper child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt, based on the child’s age and size.  Nebraska law requires all children up to age eight to ride correctly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat or booster seat.  In addition, children up to age eight must ride in the back seat, as long as there is a back seat equipped with a seatbelt and is not already occupied by other children under eight years of age. All other passengers eight years of age or older should ride safely secured using a safety belt.  For more information about child passenger traffic laws in Nebraska visit www.DriveSmartNE.org.

Look for AAA School Safety Patrollers.  With over 654,000 AAA School Safety Patrollers in 34,500 schools across the country, they’re a sure sign you’re approaching a school zone.  Slow down and be prepared to stop.

Come to a complete stop at intersections with stop signs.  Research shows that more than one third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods.   Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

Always stop for loading or unloading school busses.  In Nebraska, not stopping when approaching or overtaking a school bus which has stop lights on and the stop arm extended is unlawful.  Motorists are required to stay stopped until the stop arm on the bus and stop lights are deactivated.

Eliminate driver distraction. AAA research shows that taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.  Putting down your phone makes you a safer driver and sets a good example for young passengers and pedestrians.  Get in the habit of turning your phone off each time you get behind the wheel.

Watch for bicyclists.  Children on bikes are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable.  Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and the rider.  If your child rides a bike to school, he or she should always wear a properly fitted bike helmet.

Talk to your teen.  Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. and more than one-quarter of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 to 7 p.m.  Get evidence-based guidance and tips at www.TeenDriving.AAA.com.

Crosswalks

• Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• When approaching a crosswalk, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
• When you are stopped at a crosswalk, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians you have stopped for.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They have stopped to allow pedestrians to pass or make sure the way is clear.

Teach your children to be good pedestrians.  Cross at corners or marked crosswalks, never between parked cars. Listening to music, talking on the phone or playing games while walking are dangerous.  Pedestrians need to avoid distractions, as well.

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