Reminder: Schools Soon To Open, Motorists Be On The Alert

Terry Brown
August 25, 2006

“Children get caught up in the excitement of back to school season and forget to look out for cars. Many youngsters have trouble making accurate judgments about traffic speed and distance, so drivers have to be particularly aware.”

Beth Mosher imparted these words as part of the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) campaign and reminder to all motorists. Mosher is the spokesperson for the Chicago arm of the AAA. She further warns motorists that with school soon to open, many children would now be back and out on the streets and roads. So motorists should better be on the alert and start slowing down in areas where children abound.

It is better to be safe than sorry. And it looks like motorists should really be careful. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or the NHTSA, twenty per cent of children who are 14 years old or below who actually die because motor vehicle crashes are simple pedestrians. And most of these accidents happen during the afternoon when school has ended and when fun begins for these school children. Perhaps it would have been better during crashes when all you need to repair as the motorist is a couple of Lincoln car parts to make everything seem like nothing happened. But in this case, children are left injured or dying which is something that does need motorists to be more than extra careful.

This campaign of AAA Chicago has been dubbed as “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign. And they also offer tips and tricks for motorists. One tip from these experts say that it is best to slow down when you are nearing school zones and residential areas. And if you do encounter intersections, the best thing to do would be to stop. You would know if children are nearby because there are AAA School Safety Patrol™ people who roam certain areas. You can also find children in places where you can see crossing guards, and playgrounds.

It also helps to make your car and yourself visible as you drive. So even if you are driving in the middle of the day, be sure to turn your headlights on. Children would be alerted of your coming and so they can steer clear.

Source:  Amazines.com