AAA says children must also adjust when walking to and from school.
Towson, Md (KM) School bells will be ringing on Tuesday, September 3rd in Frederick County and around Maryland, marking the end of summer vacation and the start of the 2019-20 academic year.
AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds motorists that more children will be walking to school and crossing the streets. Spokeswoman Ragina Ali says it’s important for drivers to stay focused, especially when traveling near schools. That means “not driving intexticated campaign that AAA kicked off earlier this year, focusing on distracted driving, and make that as socially unacceptable as drunk driving,” she said.
With school getting underway soon, Ali reminds motorists to remember to stop when the stop arm from a school with its flashing red lights is extended. This allows the children to safely get on or off the bus. “Unfortunately, we see in this day and age many people are in a rush, and sometimes we see them pass school buses and that not only is unsafe to themselves but particularly unsafe to our children,” she says.
While motorists must be safe when traveling near schools, Ali says children also need to practice the ABC’s of safety when walking to and from school. “A, always obey school crossing guards as well the AAA School Safety Patrol; B, look both ways every time you cross the street; C, use crosswalks and corners to insure that you’re crossing the roads, even when cars aren’t around but you’re crossing at that safe location,” she says.
“And, D, don’t run or rush; and do remember that drivers can’t always see you,:” Ali continues.
By Kevin McManus