AAA reminds motorists: ‘School’s open, drive carefully’

NEW YORK (WHEC) — Schools are back open, drive carefully! That’s AAA’s annual campaign that kicked off Wednesday as kids head back to school.

Now in its 75th year, AAA reminds drivers to use extra caution as most schools return to in-person instruction after a year of various virtual models.

"AAA’s annual ‘School’s Open—Drive Carefully’ campaign alerts motorists to the risks to school-age children from motor vehicle crashes — the leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14 years old,” AAA WCNY President Tony Spada said. “Motorists should be particularly alert for children darting out between parked cars on busy streets.”

AAA encourages drivers to slow down, avoid distractions by putting cell phones away, and check mirrors before moving.

Parents should also teach children the rules of traffic safety.

The campaign was launched nationally in 1946 to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities.