May is Bike Safety Month - Guest Editorial by: Jeff Ogden, president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa

Guest Editorial by: Jeff Ogden, president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa

BURNSVILLE, Minn., April 18 -- As the weather gets warmer, everyone wants to find ways to spend more time outside. That is why May is the perfect month to emphasize the importance of bike safety.

During summer break, children are not protected by the confines of their schoolyards. It is also more difficult for a child to judge traffic situations because their peripheral vision is one-third narrower than an adult's. So it is important to be alert when driving throughout the day -- especially since children could be walking, cycling, or playing anywhere and could dart into traffic.

Some key statistics you may not know according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

   -- Almost one-fourth of the children between 5 and 9 years old killed in
      traffic crashes in 2003 were pedestrians.
   -- Forty-four percent of all young pedestrian fatalities (under 16)
      occurred between 3 and 7pm.
   -- More than one-fifth of pedalcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2003

      were between 5 and 15 years old.

AAA's School's Out - Drive Carefully campaign advises all ages to use extra caution on roadways. Maintaining a 20 to 30 second visual lead while driving allows motorists time to identify unexpected problems, and develop and execute a plan - possibly preventing a tragedy.

Parents also need to instruct children to play in their backyards or at playgrounds, away from traffic. Children need to understand what to do if unsafe situations arise; for example, ask a parent to retrieve a ball that goes into the street.

To help protect child pedestrians, AAA urges motorists to follow these safety tips:

   -- Leave a few minutes early for work or an appointment, so you are not
      rushed.
   -- Drive with your headlights on all day so children and other drivers
      can see you.
   -- Look for areas such as playgrounds that indicate children could be in
      the area.
   -- Slow down in or near residential areas and playgrounds.
   -- Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children
      could dart into the road.  A ball rolling into the street is usually
      followed by a child chasing after it.
   -- Practice extra caution in inclement weather.
   -- Make eye contact with children who are about to cross the street.  Be
      aware of their next steps and make them aware of yours.

  Remember, schools out means children are at play -- drive cautiously.

Jeff Ogden is the president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa, which includes more than 720,000 members, and offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services.