AAA emphasizing “School’s Open-Drive Carefully” Campaign

Today is the first day of school for students at Madison Central.  AAA South Dakota is reminding drivers to be extra cautious on the roads. With young pedestrians, cyclists, and inexperienced teen drivers sharing the streets during the busy school commute, AAA emphasizes the importance of its annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign.

The campaign specifically focuses on protecting young pedestrians, a vulnerable road population. Nearly 20% of traffic fatalities involving children under 15 are pedestrians, with a spike in deaths occurring between 3 PM and 4 PM.

To ensure a safe school season for everyone, AAA South Dakota offers these safety tips for drivers:

• Reduce Speed in School zones. 
• Put away your phone and focus exclusively on driving.
• Never attempt to pass a stopped school bus, regardless of the direction you’re approaching. 
• Before backing up, check for children on sidewalks, driveways, and around your vehicle. 
• Be Alert for Bicycles. Children on bicycles might lack experience and be unsteady or unpredictable. Slow down and provide at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and the bicycle. 

Finally, AAA says parents should talk to teen drivers. More than 25% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur between 3 PM and 7 PM. For resources on how to talk with teens about safe driving, visit ClubAlliance.aaa.com